Office of Special Services
Office of Special Services
The Office of Special Services offers a continuum of programs and services for pre-school and school-age students with disabilities. School–aged students can receive services either through an Individualized Education Program or a Section 504 Accommodation Plan. Quality educational programs and services are provided in the least restrictive environment to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of our students. Related services such as speech & language, counseling, hearing impaired services, vision services, occupational therapy and physical therapy are also available to students. All services are provided in compliance with the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.
The Committee on Special Education (CSE)
The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is a multi-disciplinary team that identifies children in grades K-12 with special education needs such as learning disabilities, speech and language impairments, physical disabilities, emotional disturbance, mental retardation, etc. The CSE recommends programs and services to support the academic program. The Committee is composed of personnel from the Pearl River schools including a chairperson, school psychologist, special education teachers, general education teachers and a parent of the student receiving special education services. (School physician, related service providers, and a parent member are involved when applicable.) Although it is natural for parents and staff members to be concerned about designating a child as having special education needs, such designation provides assurance that a specially designed program will be provided to the child by the district.
The Committee on Preschool Special Education
At the preschool level, the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) identifies children ages three to five that need special education and recommends appropriate state and county approved pre-k programs/services.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a formal document enumerating the special services planned for a student who has been designated by the Committee on Special Education or Committee on Preschool Special Education. The IEP contains a summary of the student's strengths and weaknesses, present levels of performance and specific educational goals. It also indicates the nature of the disabling condition and the recommended program and placement. The IEP is the teacher's guide for instruction and states the criteria used to determine the effectiveness of the instructional plan.
🎓 Information/Supports for Graduation 🎓
Pathways to Graduation Learn more about the pathways to graduation.
Graduation Requirements Learn more about the graduation requirements for students in New York State to earn a local diploma, a Regents diploma, or a Regents diploma with advanced designation.
Appeals, Safety Nets and Superintendent Determination Learn more about appeals, safety nets, and the superintendent determination process. Eligible students may use these options to meet the assessment requirements for earning a diploma.
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)
Learn more about the supports and services available to students with disabilities through ACCES-VR, which helps individuals with disabilities prepare for and achieve employment and independent living.
Additional Supports
New York State Education Department Special Education Web page
https://www.nysed.gov/special-education
A Parent's Guide to Special Education
https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/parents-guide-special-education
Procedural Safeguards Notice
https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/procedural-safeguards-notice-rights-parents-children-disabilities