Initial Eligibility Meeting:

The purpose of an Initial CSE meeting is to decide whether a student is eligible for special education services, as determined by whether they exhibit a significant delay or disorder in one or more functional areas related to cognitive, language and communicative, adaptive, socio-emotional or motor development, which adversely effects their ability to learn.

At an Initial CSE meeting a Full Committee is required and consists of:

Chairperson

Psychologist

Special Education Teacher

General Education Teacher (classroom teacher)

Parent

Student (if it’s beneficial and will contribute to the meeting)

Other professionals may include:

Occupational Therapist

Physical Therapist

Speech Therapist

Social Worker

Academic Intervention Providers

ENL Teacher

Anyone the parent wishes to invite

Parent member if requested

Representative of the municipality (for CPSE)

District Responsibilities to Prepare for the Initial Eligibility Determination Meeting

FAQ: Once I sign the consent for testing, how long will it take for my child to get the help they need?

• Schedule the meeting within the timeline of 60 days from the date of signed consent for testing.

• Determine schedule with chairperson

• Contact parent to schedule meeting

• Identify and contact all required members of the Committee

• Provide parents with written notification of meeting no less than 5 calendar days prior to meeting

• Information to be included in the meeting notice/invitation that is prescribed by New York State regulation is included

• Encourage parent participation prior to scheduling a meeting by making a phone call.

• If needed, document multiple attempts to contact parents.

• Identify the meeting place

• Prepare multiple copies of documents (1 for each member)

• Check to see if there is a need for interpreter or special accommodations

• Verify member participation, prepare sign in sheets

At the Initial Determination Meeting:

As the Committee reviews evaluation material and achievement with team members, the Committee may determine that the student is eligible for special education services. If the student is deemed eligible for special education services, classification will be determined and the IEP will be developed.

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/policy/parentguide.htm#:~:text=In%20order%20to%20be%20eligible,mental%2C%20physical%20or%20emotional%20reasons.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written document, written to meet the unique educational needs of a student with a disability (Part 200.1(y). As the IEP is the cornerstone of the special education process for each individual student, its development and implementation takes collaboration and careful assessment.

FAQs:

Can I decline special education services offered?

What do I do if I disagree with the CSE recommendations?

Parents are an integral part of the CSE committee. They have the right to decline services and disagree with recommendations.