The Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) is responsible for evaluating and identifying children ages 3–4 who are suspected of having a disability and arranging for the delivery of special education services.
A preschool student with a disability is one who, as determined by an evaluation, exhibits a significant delay or disorder in one or more functional areas related to cognitive, language and communication, adaptive, social-emotional, or motor development which adversely affects the student’s ability to learn.
A broad range of special education programs and/or related services are available to meet each child’s educational needs. A preschooler with a disability is entitled to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
CPSE Referral & Timeline Process
1. Initial Referral for Special Education Services ▼
A referral is made to the CPSE when the parent/guardian of a preschool age student and/or professionals involved feel the student may require special education services. The referral must be in writing, directed to the CPSE chairperson, and state the student's name and date of birth, the parent's/guardian's name, address, home and work phone numbers. It must also briefly describe the concerns which prompted them to make the referral.
A packet of materials will be sent to the parent/guardian, including an initial consent for evaluation form, a list of the state approved evaluation sites in Schenectady County, and a copy of the Procedural Safeguards Notice. The parent/guardian has 30 days to grant consent from the date this packet of materials is mailed (receipt of referral date).
The CPSE chairperson is always available to meet with the parent/guardian prior to or during the referral/evaluation process in order to answer questions, assist the parent/guardian in understanding how the CPSE process works, and to help in completing the paperwork involved.
Registration Requirement: Before the individual evaluation can take place, the parent/guardian must enroll the child in the district by contacting Nikkie Morgenstern in Central Registration at
(518) 347-3600 x7115 or
mmorgenstern@sgcsd.net.
2. Evaluation ▼
The individualized evaluation begins upon the district’s receipt of initial consent to evaluate. The parent/guardian chooses from among the list of approved Schenectady County evaluators the site where they would like to have the child evaluated. Evaluations are completed by certified professionals and include:
- Social History: Information regarding developmental history (e.g., first words, toilet training age) and family background.
- Physical Exam: A general assessment of health, vision, hearing, and immunization records required by NYS law (gathered from the child’s physician).
- Psychological Evaluation: Tests administered by a school psychologist to assess learning potential, educational strengths, and needs.
- Other Specialized Testing: Skill-specific evaluations including speech and language, gross motor (physical therapy), or fine motor (occupational therapy).
All testing is provided at no cost to the parent/guardian. Consent can be withdrawn in writing at any time, which halts the CPSE process immediately.
3. Determining Eligibility ▼
Within 60 days of receiving written consent, an Initial Eligibility Determination meeting is scheduled. Parents are notified in writing at least 5 calendar days in advance.
Meeting Participants & Committee Structure
Required attendees include the parent/guardian, regular education teacher (if applicable), special education provider, CPSE Chairperson, an evaluation interpreter, and a Schenectady County representative. Parents may request a CSE Parent Member in writing 72 hours prior to the meeting. For students transitioning from Early Intervention (EI), the EI Service Coordinator may be invited upon parent request.
Eligibility Criteria (5 Functional Areas)
- Cognitive Development (intellectual processing skills)
- Language and Communication Development
- Adaptive Development (self-help skills, eating, toileting)
- Social-Emotional Development
- Motor Development
All eligible students receive the uniform classification of Preschooler with a Disability. Recommended programs must be initiated within 30 school days of recommendation following written parent consent.
CPSE Continuum of Programs & Services
| Related Services Speech, PT, OT, or counseling delivered in the child’s natural setting (home, preschool, daycare). |
SEIT Services Special Education Itinerant Teacher provides direct or indirect instruction at the child’s preschool setting. |
| SCIS (Integrated Setting) Special class (max 12 students with disabilities) integrated with general education peers, staffed by a special educator and aide. |
Special Class (12:1:1) Self-contained setting with up to 12 students, 1 teacher, and 1 aide for comprehensive specialized instruction. |
4. Individualized Education Plan (IEP) ▼
As a result of the CPSE meeting, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is formally developed and mailed to the parent/guardian. This document details:
- Summary of abilities in the five functional domains
- Recommended program type, start date, and service duration
- Related service types and frequency
- Specialized equipment and adaptive transportation requirements
- Assigned location for service delivery
Parents or providers may request a CPSE meeting at any time to review or modify the student’s program if needs change.
5. Annual Review ▼
The CPSE convenes at least once per year to evaluate student progress and formulate an updated IEP for the following academic year. Written notice is provided at least 5 calendar days prior to the meeting.
When a student reaches kindergarten transition age, the annual review may be conducted jointly with the Committee on Special Education (CSE) to evaluate eligibility for school-age special education services.
