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Ontario County Public Health
3019 County Complex Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Phone: 585-396-4343 spacerspacer800-299-2995
Fax: 585-396-4551


PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION

What is Special Education? Special education means specially designed individualized or group instruction or special services or programs to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Special education services and programs are provided at no cost to the parent. The Preschool Special Education Program provides these services to children with developmental disabilities ages 3-5 who meet specific criteria for delays based on a comprehensive evaluation.

How is Ontario County involved in this program? Ontario County is responsible for payment of approved services to preschool children and is a voting member on the committee of each school district's Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). The referral for evaluation is generated by a phone call from the parent/guardian to their school district.

What should you do if you feel your child needs special education? If you have a preschool child and you have noticed that your child is not developing skills such as walking talking or playing like other young children, you may want to talk to your family doctor. He or she may be able to reassure you that children develop at different rates and that your child is within the normal developmenal scales. If, however, the doctor is concerned, or you are still not comfortable with your child's progress, you may wish to make a referral to your school district's Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). The Committee's are listed below.

What is a Referral? A referral is a written consent asking that the school district approve an evaluation of your child to determine if he or she needs special education services. The approval comes from the chairperson of your local school district's Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE). If your child is age 2 1/2 - 5, you would contact your school district to request a referral (the Committee's are listed below).

Who can make a referral? You, the parent, can always make a referral for your child.

What happens after the referral? After a signed consent is obtained, by the school district CPSE, from the parents/guardians, an evaluation will take place focusing on the concerns that the parent has regarding their child's development. These tests determine what your child's learning difficulties may be and how those difficulties affect his or her participation and progress in the general education curriculum. This evaluation is at no cost to you. In order to be eligible for services, a child must have a disability that affects his or her ability to learn. In New York State, a child ages 3-5, may be identified as a "preschool student with a disability" based on testing and,clinical observation as well as parent report.

What happens if my child is eligible for services? If you and other members of the Committee determine that your child is eligible for special education services, the Committee identifies your child as a preschooler with a disability. The Committee will then develop and implement an individualized education program (IEP) to meet your child's needs.

What special education services may my child receive? Special education services and programs may include specially designed instruction and/or supplementary aids and services, related services, special classes. The CPSE will first consider the appropriateness of providing related services only or special education itinerant services only. There are also half-day and full-day preschool programs that may me a consideration depending on appropriateness for your child. Before recommending that special education services are provided in a setting which includes only preschool children with disabilities, the CPSE shall first consider providing special education services in a setting where age-appropriate peers without disabilities are typically found.

Committee on Preschool Education

Visit the New York State Education Department for further information.

CPSE OFFICES

 

 

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