The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is a multidisciplinary team established by the provisions of section 4402 of the Education Law. The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is responsible for arranging for the evaluation of any student suspected of having a disability who meets the age eligibility requirements and is a school district resident. 

• Full Committee on Special Education includes the student's parents, a general education teacher of the student, a special education provider, a school psychologist, and related service providers and administrators as appropriate. It is implemented for initial referrals, program reviews and re-evaluations.
• Subcommittees on Special Education ensure timely review and placement recommendations for students with disabilities. Members of the Subcommittee on Special Education include the student's parents, a general education teacher of the student, a special education provider of the student, a school psychologist, and related services providers of the student, if appropriate and implemented for annual review meetings.

Parents may request that the school physician or a parent representative participate if it is requested in writing at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. 

If you suspect that your school aged child has a disability and may need special education services or accommodation, please communicate your concerns to:

Classroom teacher: The best initial contact regarding student progress and performance in the school setting.   

• Each building has a Multi Tiered System of Support to identify students struggling academically, socially or behaviorally.  Teams come together regularly to problem solve, review student progress and identify individualized support student supports. 

The Director of Special Education can answer further questions or address concerns related to the referral process.

The Committee on Preschool Special Education is responsible for identifying preschool children with disabilities and arranging to deliver special education services. Educational programs and services for preschool children with disabilities from the ages of three to five are the responsibility of the school district in which the child resides by New York State Education Law, Article 89.

•  Committee members of the CPSE include the parent, a special education representative from the school district who serves as Chairperson, a professional who participated in the evaluation of the child or the child's teacher, the county representative, and, if the child is transitioning from the birth to two programs provided by the county of residence, an early intervention coordinator.

If you suspect that your child who  is 3,4 or 5 years old and who has not yet entered kindergarten may be in need of special education services, a  referral to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) can be made to: 

Committee On Preschool Special Education Chairperson  (585) 924-3252 ext.1405, who can assist with answering your questions about this process.

Concerning children under 3, please contact the Early Intervention office in the county where you live.