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Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)

If a parent is interested in a referral to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) or has concerns that may warrant assessment of student progress, they are encouraged to speak to their child’s pediatrician. He or she may be able to reassure you that children develop at different rates and your child is within the normal developmental scales. If, however, the doctor is concerned, or you are still not comfortable with your child’s progress, you may make a referral to your school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). 
 
All children with disabilities ages 3-5 are eligible to receive special education services as determined by the Committee on Preschool Education. The Holland CPSE is a decision making committee who determine eligibility and the appropriate level of services for preschool children.  The Committee is made up of individuals from:
  • the school district
  • the evaluating agency
  • Erie or Wyoming County
  • the child's parents; and
  • a parent representative (if requested by parent)
The CPSE determines the appropriateness of services for preschool children, which may include:
  • LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
  • Home, day care or preschool that the child currently attends
  • In a special education classroom at an approved State Education Preschool Program
  •  Full and half-day center-based programs
  • Integrated programs
  • Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy
CPSE Evaluation: 
The initial evaluation is comprehensive. The evaluation includes:
  • a social history
  • a psychological assessment
  • a medical history assessment
  • an educational assessment/observation
  • other appropriate assessments as defined by New York State Education Department Guidelines
Determining Eligibility:
A preschool student having a significant delay in one or more functional areas related to:
  • Cognitive skills
  • Communication skills
  • Social-emotional skills
  • Motor skills which adversely affects their ability to learn
Services Available to Eligible Holland Students:
  • Related services such as Speech, Occupational, Physical Therapy and Counseling
  • SEIT (Special education Itinerant Teacher) emphasis is placed on a child’s growth and development within the child’s regular environment.
  • Related Services in combination with (SEIT)
  • Special Class in an integrated setting
  • Special Class comprised of students with disabilities based on similarity of needs