The School Districts inform you of the date, time and location of this important meeting following the completion and sharing of an evaluation.  It’s helpful for you to make every effort to accommodate the date given. If this isn’t possible, you should call to reschedule as soon as possible.

The CPSE/CSE--Committee on Pre-School Special Education (for ages 3 to 5) /Committee on Special Education (ages 5 and over)--is typically held at your school district.  The initial task of the committee is to review assessment information to determine your child’s eligibility for special education services. Services are provided based on your child’s goals and objectives.  A continuum of services may include individual related services such as speech/language services, occupational therapy, itinerant teacher services or a special education program may be recommended.
 
The school district and parents hopefully agree and an IEP (Individual Educational Plan) is drafted, which outlines services and goals. When there’s a difference, parents don’t have to sign an agreement at that meeting, but do need to sign your attendance.  Your active participation in this meeting is an important way you can help your child with special needs.

Joan Weinstein, LCSW, is director and Joan Padron, LCSW, is a supervisor in the Family Services Department at Variety Child Learning Center in Syosset.