CSE/CPSE

Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)

The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) is responsible for identifying preschool students (ages 3-4) with disabilities and arranging for the delivery of special education services to eligible students.  A preschool student with a disability is one who, as determined by an individual evaluation, exhibits a significant delay or disorder in one or more functional areas related to cognitive, language and communication, adaptive, social-emotional, or motor development which adversely affects the student’s ability to learn.  A broad range of related services and special education program are available to meet the educational needs of preschool students with disabilities.

If a parent or guardian suspects that his or her child has a disability or delay, they should contact the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel first to register the child in the district.  Once registered, the parent my send a letter to the Pupil Personnel Office, 629 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, New York, 10803 to request that the child is evaluated by the Committee on Preschool Special Education. 

The Chairperson for this committee is Dr. Lauren Ribeiro.  She may be reached at 738-3434, ext. 3 for further information.

Committee on Special Education (CSE)

As a parent, you may suspect that your child is having difficulties and suspect there may be an underlying disability.  It is important to first arrange a conference with the classroom teacher, school psychologist or school counselor.  Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) at the building level is a key component in the pre-referral process.  The parent and building specialists should plan a course of action that will provide additional building level support services. These can include, but are not limited to, support by the reading or learning specialist teacher, speech and language services, program modifications etc.

If after multiple interventions, the MTSS Team in a building or a parent/guardian feels a referral to the CSE is warranted, then a request is made in writing to the Pupil Personnel Office requesting the referral and evaluation of the student.  Referrals can be made in writing to the Pupil Personnel Office, 629 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, New York, 10803. For further information you may contact Traci Holtz, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, Dr. Lauren Ribeiro, Elementary Special Education Supervisor, or Greg Lau, Secondary Special Education Supervisor, at 738-3434, ext. 3.