What is the Committee on Special Education (CSE)?

The Committee on Special Education (CSE) makes recommendations about appropriate special education services and programs for students with disabilities. The committee must ensure that each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) enables him/her to progress as far as possible in the general education curriculum. Parents and teachers provide valuable information to assist the committee in making decisions about a child's strengths, appropriate programs and services, and placement to meet the child's unique needs. If a child is referred to special education, his or her parent automatically becomes a member of the CSE.

I Suspect My Child Has a Disability - What Do I Do?

If you suspect your child has a disability, please contact your building principal to discuss the process of making a CSE referral. For more information, please contact Megan Molina, Director of Student Services (607) 733-8039.

Parents who are concerned about the development of their preschool age child (ages 3-5) may refer their child to Elmira Heights CSD Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) to request an evaluation. The CPSE determines the eligibility and authorization of special education services. Services that are offered include Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) Services, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and other services for special needs.

Please contact Megan Molina, CPSE/CSE Chairperson with any questions or concerns that you might have regarding your child‘s special needs at (607) 733-8039 or Michelle Smith, CPSE/CSE Secretary at (607) 734-7114.

How to Become Involved - Seeking Parents for CSE Committee

The Elmira Heights CSD is recruiting parents of students with special needs who live in the school district to serve as representatives on the Committee on Special Education.

Parent representatives attend CSE meetings and help other parents understand the proceedings and services being discussed or offered. This is an excellent opportunity to help parents who are new to the CSE process. If you are interested in volunteering as a parent representative, please call (607)733-8039.

Laws, Regulations & Process

Part 200- Regulations of the Commissioner of Education:  https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/new-york-state-laws-and-regulations-related-special-education-and-students 

National PTA- Special Education Guide: https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/Special-Education-Toolkit/Getting-Started-You-Are-Your-Childs-Best-Advocate 

Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/documents/testing-accommodations-guide-feb-2018.pdf 

Transition Services and Supports

ACCESS-VR- Vocational Rehabilitation:  http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr 

National PTA- College and Career Readiness: https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/college-and-career-readiness 

Additional Resources

CDC: Learn the Signs. Act Early.https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html 

Community Supports & Day Services: https://arcofcs.org/our-supports/community-supports  and https://arcofcs.org/application/files/7415/8272/6451/FactSheet_DayServicesCommunitySupport.pdf 

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities-Front Door: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/front-door 

Parent Support- Southern Tier Services: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/developmental-disabilities/southern-tier/southern-tier-parent-support.aspx 

Starbridge- Partnering with individuals who have disabilities and their families to achieve success in education, employment, and healthy living https://starbridgeinc.org/