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 your child is
within normal developmental scales. If, however, you and/or the doctor are
concerned with your child's progress, you may wish to make a referral to the
district's Committee on Preschool Special Education. Please note that a
referral from your doctor is not a requirement.
The Committee on Preschool
Special Education (CPSE), appointed by the Board of Education, is
responsible for arranging evaluations and making recommendations for
delivery of service to children ages 3 to 5 who have disabilities.
Members of the committee include:
- Parent(s) of the student
- Regular education teacher of the child whenever the child is or may be
participating in the regular education environment
- Special education teacher of the child or, if appropriate, special
education provider of the child
- School district representative who is qualified to provide or supervise
special education and is knowledgeable about the general curriculum
and the availability of preschool special education programs and
services and other resources of the school district and the municipality
(This person is the Chairperson of the Committee.)
- An individual who understands and can talk about the evaluation
results and how these results affect instruction (This person may also
be the special education teacher/provider, regular education teacher,
school psychologist, school district representative or someone that the
school district determines has knowledge or special expertise
regarding the student.)
- Parent member (upon request)
- A licensed or certified professional from the Department of Health's
Early Intervention Program (for a child in transition from the Early
Intervention Program)
- Other people that have knowledge or special expertise regarding the
child, including related services personnel as appropriate (as requested
by the parent or school district)
- A county representative (A certified or licensed preschool
representative from the municipality must be notified of scheduled
meetings, however, the CPSE meeting can be held whether or not the
municipal representative attends.)
For more information about these services please contact the office of
Preschool Special Education at: (585) 248-6369.