Preschool Special Education

Evaluations and specially planned individual or group services or programs are provided to eligible children, ages 3–5, who have a disability that affects their learning. Funding for these special education programs and services is provided by New York State through the Monroe County Department of Public Health.

Download the School District Contacts (CPSE Chairs).

If a child receives early intervention services as an infant or toddler up to age three and needs special education, the service coordinator will assist with transition planning and making a referral to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). If a preschool-age child (3–5 years) did not receive early intervention services, but has some delays or lags in development, the parent or professionals who know the child, may make a referral to the chairperson of the school district’s CPSE who will assist the parent in completing the referral process. The Committee on Preschool Special Education is made up of the parent, teachers, school district rep, etc.

When a child is referred to the CPSE the parent is given a list of approved agencies that provide preschool special education evaluations. After an approved evaluator is selected and the parent signs a consent form, the child will be evaluated at no cost to the family. A copy of the evaluation report, including a summary of the evaluation, will be provided to the parent and to other CPSE members. A meeting will be set with the CPSE to talk about the evaluation results. If the child is found not eligible for special education programs and/or services, the reasons will be provided in writing. If the child is found to be eligible the CPSE will recommend programs or services (to meet the child’s individual needs) and the location where they will be provided.

Preschool Special Education

This service offers multi-disciplinary evaluations based on suspected developmental delay and educational need. Also provided are special education and/or related services (therapy) for eligible children, 3–5 years of age. Children are referred through their local school district.

For more information call 585 753-5202.

Terms and Abbreviations

There are common terms and abbreviations used in the Early Intervention system. Knowing what they mean is important for any parent with a child in EI.

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  This is legislation that bans discrimination against children and adults with disabilities and requires that reasonable accommodation be made for a person with a disability.
• Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
  This committee makes decisions about services for children with disabilities between the ages of three and five years of age. The committee is chaired by a local school district administrator. The committee members, including the child’s parents and early childhood teacher (if applicable) consider eligibility using a formal evaluation as a base.
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  If it is determined that a child does qualify, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed. This is the plan that sets out the goals and objectives for a preschooler with a disability and specifies what services will be provided to the child, where they will occur, how often and who will provide them.
• Committee on Special Education (CSE)
  If the child is still in need of services as he/she turns school age (5), with parental permission, he/she will be evaluated and the results presented to the local school district Committee on Special Education (CSE). Early Intervention Program (EI). Guided by Federal and State Law, this program serves children with disabilities under the age of three years. In New York State, the Department of Health administers the program and each County Health Department is responsible for local administration. This program has many components and funds some services for the infant or toddler with disabilities as well as his or her family.
• Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
  If the child qualifies for services an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed with goals and objectives. Law requires that children be served in his or her “natural environment.” This may mean the child’s home, child care center, baby sitter, etc.
• Early Intervention Service Coordinator
  Children and their families enrolled in the Early Intervention Program (birth to three) have a coordinator of services. This person helps the family access an evaluation and services and makes sure things are working according to the IFSP. This person is who the parent or guardian can call if they need help or have concerns about an enrolled child.
• Integrated Classroom
  A classroom located in a natural setting that includes children with and without disabilities. It must be approved by the State Education Department (SED) and can have no more than 12 children with disabilities.

Acronyms:

Download the acronyms list.