Navigating Special Education Services in Central New York: A Guide for Parents and Guardians

This guide provides information about interests, strengths, needs and goals of children with disabilities who require special education services in Central New York.

Navigating Special Education Services in Central New York: A Guide for Parents and Guardians

It is essential for parents and guardians to understand their children's specialized instruction for special education services in Central New York. This guide will provide information about your child's interests, strengths, needs and goals, as well as the steps necessary to ensure that your child receives the best possible education. The first step is to contact the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). The CSE or CPSE will evaluate your child to determine if he or she has a disability and needs special education.

You can contact the regional special education offices for assistance. Johnson, Upstate Regional Coordinator (51) 473-1185 Patricia Shubert, New York City Regional Coordinator (71) 722-4544 are two contacts you can reach out to. If your child is eligible, at age five, he or she may be recommended to receive special education services or programs in the district's kindergarten program or other educational setting. Each school district must do everything reasonable to notify the parents of the child that the child has been referred or needs special education and related services. If you do not consent for your preschool-age child (3 years old) to be evaluated, the Preschool Special Education Committee will take steps to ensure that you have received and understood your child's evaluation consent request, but the district will not be able to move forward without your consent. Early Childhood Direction Centers (ECDCs) provide information on programs and services available in the community and referral assistance to access these services.

You cannot be an officer, agent, or employee of the school district, the State Department of Education, or the agency involved in the education or care of the child. The State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, nationality, race, gender, genetic predisposition, or carrier status or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services and activities. If you are concerned about your child's educational programs or special education services, contact your child's teacher right away and share information about what you see. Tests are available to determine what your child's learning difficulties may be and how those difficulties affect their participation and progress in the general education curriculum. You will receive notice at least five school days before the CSE or CPSE meetings inviting you to participate in making recommendations for your child's educational program. Parents or the school district can initiate a hearing on issues related to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a student with a disability, or the provision of an appropriate and free public education for the child.

If placement in an approved private school inside or outside the state is recommended, the Board of Education will organize such programs and services within 30 school days after the Board receives the Committee's recommendation. Now that you're familiar with the special education process, you'll want to learn more about your rights and protections under the law and regulations. Sources you can contact for help understanding the special education process and your rights include Johnson Upstate Regional Coordinator (51) 473-1185 Patricia Shubert New York City Regional Coordinator (71) 722-4544. It is important for parents and guardians to understand their children's specialized instruction for special education services in Central New York. With this guide as a reference point, parents can ensure that their children receive all of the necessary resources they need to succeed in their educational journey. Knowing how to navigate special education services can help parents make informed decisions about their children's future.

The first step is to contact either CSE or CPSE who will evaluate your child to determine if they have a disability that requires special education services. If they are eligible at age five they may be recommended for special education services in a district kindergarten program or other educational setting. It is important that parents understand their rights when it comes to their children's special education needs. Early Childhood Direction Centers provide information on programs and services available in the community as well as referral assistance.

Parents can also initiate a hearing if they have concerns about their child's educational programs or special education services. Tests are available to determine what learning difficulties may be present and how they affect progress in general curriculum. Parents should also be aware of their rights under law and regulations when it comes to special education services. Johnson Upstate Regional Coordinator (51) 473-1185 Patricia Shubert New York City Regional Coordinator (71) 722-4544 are two contacts that can provide assistance understanding these rights.

Navigating special education services in Central New York can be overwhelming but with this guide as a reference point parents can ensure that their children receive all of the necessary resources they need to succeed in their educational journey.

Adam Tonkin
Adam Tonkin

Typical zombie fanatic. Professional internet aficionado. Hipster-friendly food evangelist. Friendly tv buff. Hardcore bacon specialist.