CPSE/Preschool

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Written by Administrator | 25 July 2009

Services.CPSE.pic.jpgCommittee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) – 3 to 5 years

Sponsored by the New York State Education Department and the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities, the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) is an education program that provides various types of therapeutic and educational services to children, aged three to five years old, with disabilities that affect their learning.

Eligibility

  • If your child received early intervention services and may still need additional services, your service coordinator will assist you with transition planning and the referral to the CPSE.
  • If your child did not receive early intervention services, but has some delays or lags in development, then you can make a referral.

Services

Services might include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Speech Language Therapy
  • Special Education
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Audiology
  • Autism Services
  • Psychological Services
  • Assistive Technology
  • Parent Education
  • Counseling
  • Transportation

Programs that are approved by New York State Education Department include:

  • Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) - a special education teacher works with your child in a setting recommended by the CPSE
  • Special Class in an Integrated Setting (SC/IS) - a class for preschool students with and without disabilities
  • Special Class (SC) - a class for children with disabilities

Process

Referral – If your child demonstrates difficulties in talking, moving, thinking, learning or is facing physical or behavioral challenges, you may make a referral to the Chairperson of the local school district's CPSE who will assist you in completing the referral process.

Evaluator selection – When your child is referred to CPSE, your local school district will provide a list of approved agencies that can administer preschool evaluations. As a parent, you will be asked to make a selection and then sign a consent form for your child to be evaluated at no cost to your family.

Evaluation – The CPSE will provide you with a copy of the due process procedural safeguards notice. If your child's evaluation is not timely or, if there is disagreement with the evaluation results or recommendation of the CPSE, you have the right to request an independent evaluation, mediation or an impartial hearing. A copy of the evaluation report, including a summary of the evaluation, will be provided to you and the other CPSE members. Parent(s) will be asked to meet with the CPSE members to discuss the evaluation results.

The Committee on Preschool Special Education is comprised of the following individuals:

  • parent(s)
  • parent member
  • regular education teacher
  • special education teacher or related service provider
  • Chairperson of the CPSE
  • individual who can interpret evaluation results

The following individuals may also be present:

  • other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise about the child
  • professional from the Early Intervention Program (for a child in transition)
  • representative from the local municipality

Recommendation – If your child has a disability that may affect his or her learning, the CPSE will find him or her to be an eligible "preschool student with a disability.” The CPSE will also recommend programs or services to meet your child's individual needs and where they will be provided. If the CPSE finds that your child is not eligible for special education programs and/or services, you will be informed of the reasons for the decision in writing.

Individualized Education Program – If your child is an eligible preschool student with a disability, the CPSE members will write an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for your child that will list the recommended services to be provided, how often, and for what duration. Services may be provided at an approved or licensed pre-kindergarten or Head Start program, the work-site of a provider, the student's home, a hospital, a State facility or a child care location. The CPSE recommendations will be forwarded to the local school district Board of Education for approval.

Progress – As a parent, you will collaborate with CPSE and the service providers regarding your child’s progress.