North Syracuse Central School District
Committee on Preschool Special Education
Limited UPK spots are still available for the 25-26 school year! Registration for the 26-27 school year begins on Jan 12, 2026
North Syracuse Central School District
Committee on Preschool Special Education
If you’re worried that your preschooler might be struggling with speech, movement, learning, behavior, or social skills, you don’t have to wait and see what happens—you can ask for help. In New York State, families can request a special education evaluation through their local school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) for children ages 3 to 5.
This evaluation looks at how your child is developing and whether they might benefit from extra support or services—like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or special education instruction—to help them grow and learn.
Here’s how to start: Call or email the North Syracuse Central School District Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) office. Explain that you’re concerned about your child’s development and would like to request an evaluation. They will walk you through the referral process and send you paperwork in the mail to sign to consent to an evaluation for your child.
Families often request evaluations if their child:
Isn’t talking or communicating as expected for their age
Has trouble with fine motor skills (like holding crayons) or gross motor skills (like running or climbing)
Struggles with learning new skills or paying attention
Has a hard time playing with other children or managing emotions
Has medical or developmental challenges that affect learning
A pediatrition or developmental specialist, such as Help Me Grow Onondaga, has suggested that you seek a special education evaluation
To start the evaluation process or to ask any questions, please contact the North Syracuse Central School District CPSE office at (315) 218-2216, or email the IEP Coordinator, Nicole Kowanes, at NKowanes@nscsd.org.
If your child is younger than 3 and you are concerned about his or her development, contact the Onondaga County Early Intervention Program at 315-435-3230 to speak with the Special Children Services Intake Coordinator.