A Parent s Handbook to Special Education Services. Prepared by The Katonah Lewisboro Special Education PTA (SEPTA)

Transcription

1 AParent shandbook to SpecialEducation Services Preparedby TheKatonahLewisboroSpecial EducationPTA(SEPTA) 1

2 DearParent, The steps in the Special Education process are established laws and regulationstoensureproperprogramsforstudents.theselaws,whichcanbe wordy, overwhelming and confusing often get in the way of immediate, simple,stepbystepinformationweneedforourchildren. TheKatonah LewisboroSEPTApresentsthishandbooktohelpguide youpasttheconfusingandoverwhelmingworldofspecialeducation from EarlyInterventionStagetoHighSchoolandbeyond.Ourintentioniswritea simple,sensitiveandstraightforwardhandbookwithoutallthelegalwording thattheschooldistrictisrequiredtouse.wefeelitreflectsthespiritofthe SpecialEducationprocess,whichisacooperativerelationshipbetweenyou andyourschooldistrict. Wehopethishandbookwillserveasavaluableintroductionto KatonahLewisboro sofficeofspecialservices.pleasevisitourwebsitefor moreinformationorquestionsatwww.klsepta.org RebeccaBourla ScarlettDeBease NancyEuchner SharriHoffman KathyKing KathyLin CherylOrifici 2

3 The KatonahLewisboro Special Education PTA (SEPTA) is a districtwide Parent Teacher Associationorganizedtoprovideinformationandsupporttostudents,parents,facultyandstaff involvedinmorethanjustthespecialeducationprocess. DIDYOUKNOW? SEPTAexiststohelpfamiliesofchildrenwithawiderangeofneeds: ChildrenwithanIEPora504plan Childreninaspecialeducationorcollaborationclass Childrenenrolledin buildinglevelservices suchasspeech,ot,pt,rti Childrenwhohaveeverneededthehelpofaschoolpsychologistorsocialworker Childrenwithsevereallergiesorothermedicalcondition Childrenfacingextendedabsencesduetoinjuryorillness SUPPORTAWORTHYCAUSE Yourduessupportalloureducationalefforts,includingguestspeakers,DifferencesDay,FieldDay, oursupportnetworks,andourabilitytoenrichavarietyofprograms/projectsforourschooldistrict. Wealsoacceptdonationstosupporttheseefforts. ParentsofallchildrenarewelcometoparticipateasSEPTAmembers. ContactUs:Ifyouhaveanyquestionscontactusatinfo@klsepta.org IfyouareinterestedinbecomingamemberoftheKatonahLewisboroSEPTA, Pleasefilloutthisformandsendittotheaddressbelow. Annualmembershipis$15.Orpayonlineatwww.klsepta.org Name:ParentProfessional Address: City:State:Zip: Phone: Age(s)andSchool(s)ofchildrenwith/withoutspecialneeds: WouldyouliketoaddtheabovecontactinformationtoouronlineSEPTAParentDirectory?YesNo Makecheckpayableto:KatonahLewisboroSEPTA.Mailto:KatonahLewisboroSEPTA,POBox475, GoldensBridge,NY10526 PleaseseeSection14 ofthishandbookfora membershipformandtolearnmoreaboutsepta. 3

4 Who swhointheworldofspecialservicesatkatonahlewisboro? ConnieHayes DirectorofSpecialServices (914) (914) (Fax) CindyGreenberg ElementarySupervisorof SpecialEducation (914) Dr.CatherineMcNulty SecondarySupervisorof SpecialEducation (914) AlyssaMontgomery CPSEChairperson (914) SusanFowler Secretaryto Administrator,CSE relatedissues (914) JeanneZelem SeniorOfficeAssistant, CSErelatedissues (914) KatyMontilli SeniorOfficeAssistant, CPSErelatedissues (914) WallisLeedsGrant SeniorAccountClerk Financial/ContractRelated matters (914)

5 TableofContents 1. QualifyingforServicesandIDEA(IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct)...8 EligibilityandClassifications...8 ComponentsofanIDEASpecialEducationProgram EarlyIntervention...9 WhatisEarlyIntervention?...9 WhyEarlyIntervention? CPSE(CommitteeonPreschoolSpecialEducation)...10 WhatistheCPSE?...10 WhoattendstheCPSEmeeting?...10 WhenandwhereistheCPSEmeetingheld?...10 TheSpecialEducationProcessinvolvesfivesteps...10 InitialReferralforSpecialEducationServices...12 IndividualizedEvaluationProcess...12 DeterminingEligibility...12 IndividualizedEducationPlan...14 AnnualReview...14 WhathappensafterPreschool?...16 WhatisthetransitionfromtheCPSEtotheCSE?...16 WhatdoIneedtoknowaboutKindergartenScreening? CommitteeonSpecialEducation(CSE)...16 WhatistheCSE(CommitteeonSpecialEducation)?...16 WhoattendstheCSEmeeting?...17 Whatisaparentmember?...17 WhenandwhereareCSEmeetingsheld? ReferralandEvaluation...17 Whatistheevaluationprocess?...18 Whatisincludedonmychild sevaluation?...18 Whoanalyzesthetestresults?...19 CanmychildreceivesupportserviceswithoutCSEclassification?...19 CanKatonahLewisboroevaluatemychildwithoutmyconsent? Implementation:TheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)...19 WhatistheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)?

6 Whatprogramsandservicesareavailable? SpecialEducationProgramsandSupportServicesOfferedbytheKatonahLewisboroSchoolDistrict 20 PRESCHOOL...20 SCHOOLAGEPROGRAMS...20 SpecialEducationPrograms...21 AdaptivePhysicalEducation...22 TravelTraining...22 OutofDistrictPlacement...22 SupportServices...22 Speech&LanguageServices...22 PsychologicalServices...23 SocialWorkerServices...23 OccupationalTherapy/PhysicalTherapy...24 TeacheroftheDeafandHardofHearing...24 AssistiveTechnologyServices...24 SchoolNurse TheLeastRestrictiveEnvironment(LRE) Confidentiality Declassification Section WhatisthedifferencebetweenanIEPandaSection504?...26 Whatqualifiesasadisabilityunder504?...26 SchoolDistrictResponsibilities DiplomaOptionsandtheClassifiedStudent PostGraduation...27 TransitionPlanning...27 HigherEducation...27 SomeKeyResources...27 SpecialEducationuntilAge ResidentialOptions CommonTerms,Acronyms,Websites,Resources,Organizations(nationalandlocal)...29 CommonTerms

7 CommonAcronyms...32 Organizations...36 InternetResourcesforParentsofChildrenwithSpecialNeeds SpecialEducationParentTeacherAssociation(SEPTA)

8 1.QualifyingforServicesandIDEA(IndividualswithDisabilities EducationAct) TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wasestablishedbythefederalgovernmentto ensurethatchildrenwithdisabilitieshaveinstructionthatmeetstheiruniqueneeds.theideaisthe federallawthatrequirespublicschoolstoprovideafreeappropriatepubliceducationtochildren withdisabilities.innys,specialeducationisprovidedconsistentwiththeregulationsofthe(nys) CommissionerofEducation Parts200and201andtheIDEA. TobeclassifiedunderIDEA,achildmustbereferredforaninitialevaluationtotheCommitteeon SpecialEducation(CSE).TheCSEisateamofteachers,administratorsandyou,theparents,whowork together on an educational plan for your child. The team must consist of each of the following membersunlessyouhavewaivedtheirparticipationpriortothemeeting: YOU,thechild sparentorlegalguardian,areanequalmemberofthecse! CSEchairperson Schoolpsychologist GeneralEducationTeacher SpecialEducationTeacher Parentmember(onlyifyourequestby72hoursofthescheduledmeeting) Anyotherperson(s)knowledgeableaboutyourchild slearningneedsthatyouwouldlike invited. SEPTAencouragesyoutoinvitesomeonetoattendyourmeetingthatcanofferyousupport. TheCSEmeetingcanbeanintimidatingexperience.SEPTAandKLSDcanhelpyoufindaparent membertoaccompanyyoutothemeeting. ItisimportanttonotethatSpecialEducationisaSERVICEnotaPLACE. Youhavetherighttoreject,thecommittee srecommendation,classificationorplacementin wholeorpart. ALWAYSREADTHEIEP! EligibilityandClassifications TheCSEisresponsiblefordeterminingwhetherornotastudentiseligibleforspecialeducation services. A child must meet the criteria of one of the 13 classifications outlined in the NYS regulations.the13classificationsinclude: Autism LearningDisability EmotionalDisturbance IntellectualDisability SpeechLanguageImpairment HearingImpairment Deafness MultipleDisabilities OrthopedicImpairment OtherHealthImpairment TraumaticBrainInjury VisualImpairment DeafBlindness 8

9 ComponentsofanIDEASpecialEducationProgram WhatdoesanIDEASpecialEducationProgramInclude?IEPsarelegaldocumentsthatsetforththe specialeducationservicesyourchildwillreceivethroughouttheschoolyear.componentsinclude: Foreligiblestudents,schoolsmustdevelopanIndividualEducationProgram(IEP)thatactsasa kindofeducationalmapofthechild'sneedsandsetsgoalsforimprovement. TheIEPincludesadescriptionofSpeciallyDesignedInstruction(SDI)thatwillbeprovidedto helpthechildreachhiseducationalgoals. Ifthechildalsoneedsrelatedservicestoreachgoals,theIEPdescribeswhatthosewillinclude. IEPscontainspecificpartsandmustbereviewedandrevisedatleastannually.TheIDEA requiresthatstudentswithdisabilitiesbereevaluatedeverythreeyears. 2.EarlyIntervention WhatisEarlyIntervention? Earlyinterventionservicesareavailabletoeligiblechildrenfrombirthto2years11months.Underthis systemchildrenarereferred,byaparentorprofessional,directlytotheircounty shealthdepartment. Thefamilyisassignedaninitialservicecoordinator,andthechildisreferredforacomprehensive evaluation.theevaluationresultsandtheneedsofthefamilydeterminethemakeupoftheifsp (IndividualFamilyServicePlan),whichstatesthechild sneedsandthoseserviceshe/sheis recommendedtoreceive. Servicesmayincludespeech,physicaloroccupationaltherapy,socialworkand/orpsychological counseling,specialeducation,nursingservices,andaudiology.earlyinterventionservicesareprovided onacalendaryearbasis.servicescanbeofferedtoachildathome,inamainstreamdaycare/nursery schoolsetting,inaprofessional soffice,orinatherapeuticpreschoolprogram. ForfurtherinformationaboutservicesprovidedthroughyourlocalHealthDepartmentcontact: WESTCHESTERDEPARTMENTOFMENTALHEALTH: WhyEarlyIntervention? Therearetwoprimaryreasonsforinterveningearly: 1. toenhancethechild sdevelopment 2. toprovidesupportandassistancetothefamily Earlyinterventionhashelpedchildreninneedingfewerspecialeducationandrehabilitativeserviceslater in life.parents must be proactive in their child s education and treatment in order for the early interventiontobeeffective. Theschooldistrictisnotresponsibleforyoungchildrenuntiltheageof3,butwillassistparentswith referrals. 9

10 3. CPSE(CommitteeonPreschoolSpecialEducation) WhatistheCPSE? TheCommitteeonPreschoolSpecialEducation(CPSE)isresponsibleforidentifyingpreschoolstudents (ages34)withdisabilitiesandarrangingforthedeliveryofspecialeducationservicestoeligiblestudents. Apreschoolstudentwithadisabilityisonewho,asdeterminedbyanindividualevaluation,exhibitsa significant delay or disorder in one or more functional areas related to cognitive, language and communication,adaptive,socialemotional,ormotordevelopmentwhichadverselyaffectsthestudent s abilitytolearn. Preschoolstudentswithdisabilitiesareentitledtoreceiveafreeappropriatepubliceducationintheleast restrictiveenvironment. WhoattendstheCPSEmeeting? Thechild sparent(s)and/orlegalguardian(s) TheCPSEChairperson ArepresentativefromtheWestchesterCountyDepartmentofHealth,ifapplicable Aparentmember(onlyifrequestedby72hourspriortothemeeting) Anindividualfromtheschooloragencythatprovidedtheevaluationofyourchild Anyinvitedperson(s)bytheparentsforgeneralsupport,ortoprovideadditional insightsorinformation Yourchild steacheroranindividualqualifiedtoprovideeducation/services WhenandwhereistheCPSEmeetingheld? TheCPSEwillmeetintheSpecialServicesOffices(locatedintherearofJohnJayHighSchool,firstfloor, Q Special Services Office above double doors). Meetings will be scheduled as soon as all the evaluationsarecompletedandallpartiesarecontactedtoattend.thiswillbeaccomplishedinatimely manneraccordingtothelaw. TheCommitteeonPreschoolSpecialEducation(CPSE)isresponsibleforidentifyingpreschoolstudents (ages34)withdisabilitiesandarrangingforthedeliveryofspecialeducationservicestoeligiblestudents. Apreschoolstudentwithadisabilityisonewho,asdeterminedbyanindividualevaluation,exhibitsa significant delay or disorder in one or more functional areas related to cognitive, language and communication,adaptive,socialemotional,ormotordevelopmentwhichadverselyaffectsthestudent s abilitytolearn.abroadrangeofrelatedservicesandspecialeducationprogramsareavailabletomeet the education needs of preschool students with disabilities.preschool students with disabilities are entitledtoreceiveafreeappropriatepubliceducationintheleastrestrictiveenvironment. TheSpecialEducationProcessinvolvesfivesteps 1. InitialReferralforSpecialEducationServices 2. IndividualizedEvaluationProcess 3. DeterminingEligibility 4. IndividualizedEducationPlan 5. AnnualReview 10

11 11 CPSECHAIRPERSONRECEIVESAWRITTENREFERRAL FROMPARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) CPSESENDPACKETTOPARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S).PACKETINCLUDES: Listofapprovedevaluationsites CPSEConsentforEvaluation MedicalForms Listofdocumentstobesubmitted Proceduralsafeguardnotice SpecialEdinNYStateforChildrenAges321 Booklet PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) CHOOSESEVALUATIONSITE. MAKESAPPOINTMENTFOREVALUATIONANDRETURNS CONSENTFOREVALUATIONINDICATINGEVALUATION SITECHOSEN. CPSERECEVIESEVALUATIONREPORTSANDSCHEDULESMEETINGWITH PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S)TODISCUSSFINDINGSAND RECOMMENDATIONS. INITIALCPSEMEETINGHELDATADMINISTRATIONBUILDING. CPSEFINDSSTUDENTINNEEDOF SPECIALEDUCATIONSERVICES STUDENTCLASSIFIEDAS PRESCHOOLSTUDENTWITHA DISABILITY CPSEDETERMINESSTUDENT ISINELIGBILEFORSPECIAL EDUCATIONSERVICES CPSEPRESENTSFINDINGSTO BOARDOFEDUCATION CPSEARRANGESFOR RECOMMENDEDSERVICES SERVICESCOMMENCEWITHIN60 DAYSOFCONSENT CPSEREVIEWSIEPANNUALLY,DETERMINES WHETHERSERVICESREMAINAPPROPRIATE,IF CHANGESARENECESSARYORIFTHESTUDENT SHOULDBEDECLASSIFIED. CPSEPRESENTSFINDINGSTO BOARDOFEDUCATION

12 InitialReferralforSpecialEducationServices A referral is made to the CPSE when the parent(s)/guardian(s) of a preschool age student and/or professionalsinvolvedfeelthestudentmayrequirespecialeducationservices.thereferralmustbein writing, directed to the CPSE chairperson, state the student's name and date of birth, the parent(s)'s/guardian(s)'s name(s), address, home and work phone numbers. It must also briefly describetheconcernsthatpromptedthemtomakethereferral.apacketofmaterialswillthenbe senttotheparent(s)/guardian(s),includingconsentforevaluationform,alistofthestateapproved evaluationsitesinwestchestercounty,andacopyoftheproceduralsafeguardsnotice. IndividualizedEvaluationProcess Anevaluationisacarefullookatwhatthestudentcanandcannotdo.ItwillhelptheCommitteedecide if the student needs special education services. Evaluations are completed only by certified professionalswhowillexplainindetailtheresultsofalltheirtesting. Apreschoolstudentcanonlybeevaluatedafterthestudent sparent(s)/guardian(s)hasgivenhis/her writtenconsentfortheevaluationtooccur. Theparent(s)/guardian(s)hastherighttochoosefromamongthelistofapprovedevaluatorsandthe sitewheretheywouldliketohavehis/herchildevaluated. Theevaluationswillinclude: SocialHistory:Theparent(s)/guardian(s)willbeaskedtoprovideinformationaboutthestudent s developmental history (e.g., first words, when he/she first crawled and walked, age of toilet training,etc.)aswellasgeneralfamilyinformation. PhysicalExam:Requiredbystatelaw,thisisageneralassessmentofthestudent shealth,vision and hearing, and immunization record. This information may be provided by the parent the student sphysician. Psychological Evaluation: Administered by a psychologist, these tests help determine the student slearningpotentialaswellaseducationalstrengthsandneeds. Other:Comprehensiveteststoidentifythestudent sspecificneeds,suchasspeechandlanguage, physicaland/oroccupationaltherapies,maybeadministered. Alltestingwillbeprovidedatnocosttotheparent(s)/guardian(s). Theparent(s)/guardian(s)canwithdrawtheirconsentfortheevaluationatanytimeintheprocess. Onceparentalconsentiswithdrawn,theCPSEprocessstops. DeterminingEligibility Uponcompletionoftheevaluations,aCPSEmeetingwillbescheduled.Theparent(s)/guardian(s)will benotifiedofthemeetingdateandtimeinwriting.allinitialcpsemeetingsareheldinthespecial ServicesOffice. ThepurposeoftheinitialCPSEmeetingistoreviewthestudent sevaluationsandanyotherrelevant informationinordertodeterminewhetherthestudenthasaneducationaldisabilityandiseligiblefor 12

13 preschool special education services. Parents may invite anyone they wish who has knowledge or specialexpertiseregardingthestudent. TherearespecificguidelinestheCPSEmustusetoassesswhetherastudentiseligibleforservices. Specifically, the CPSE must determine whether the student demonstrates a significant delay or disorderinoneormoreofthefollowingfivefunctioningareas: Cognitive(intellectualprocessingskills) LanguageandCommunicationDevelopment Adaptive(selfhelpskills,eating,toileting,etc.) SocialEmotionalDevelopment MotorDevelopment Preschool students are not classified according to their disability, as schoolage students are. All preschoolstudentsaregiventhesameclassification:preschoolstudentwithadisability. Oncethedeterminationismadethatapreschoolstudentpossessesaneducationaldisabilityandis eligible for special education services, recommendations are made by the CPSE to address the student sspecialeducationneeds.therangeofprogramservicesavailabletopreschoolstudentsisas follows: RelatedServices:Servicescaninclude,butarenotlimitedtospeech/languagetherapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and other related services. These servicesaredeliveredinthestudent senvironment(i.e.,preschoolordaycare,home, etc.) and are provided by a trained professional, consistent with the IEP recommendations. SpecialEducationItinerantTeacher(SEIT):Aspecialeducationteacherwilltraveltothe student (at the student s preschool or other location) to provide individual or group instructionand/orindirectservicesinwhichthespecialeducationteacherworkswiththe student s preschool teacher on a consultant basis to help meet the student s needs, consistentwiththeieprecommendations. SpecialClassinanIntegratedSetting(SCIS):Thisoptionreferstoaspecialclassofnomore than 12 preschool students with disabilities which is staffed by at least one special educationteacherandoneaideorassistant,andwhichincludesnondisabledpreschool students.individualand/orgrouptherapyservicesareincorporatedintotheprogramas needed. Special Class: This option refers to a selfcontained preschool class offering comprehensive services and delivered by professionals with expertise in special education.aspecialclasscanconsistofnomorethantheiepspecifiedratioofstudent toteacher,andmayalsoincludeananaideorassistant(i.e.,12:1:1isinterpretedasno morethan12studentstooneteachertooneparaprofessional).individualand/orgroup therapyservices,asneeded,areincorporatedintothisprogram. TheCPSEmustarrangeforthepreschoolstudentwithadisabilitytoreceivetherecommendedspecial education services or programs no later than 30 school days from the date the CPSE made its 13

14 recommendation. The parent(s)/guardian(s) is required to give written consent before the recommendedprogramcanbeinitiated. Iftheparent(s)/guardian(s)disagreewiththedecisionoftheCommittee,theparent(s)/guardian(s) mayrequestanothermeeting,exercisedueprocessrightsoutlinedintheproceduralsafeguardnotice andrequestmediationoranimpartialhearing. IfthepreschoolstudenthasbeendeterminedtobeineligibleforspecialeducationtheCommittee recommendation shall indicate the reasons the student was found to be ineligible. A copy of the recommendationshallbeprovidedtotheparent(s)/guardian(s). IndividualizedEducationPlan AsaresultoftheCPSEmeeting,anIndividualEducationPlan(IEP)isdevelopedandacopyismailedto the parent(s)/guardian(s).if at any time the student s parent(s)/guardian(s) or the professionals involvedfeelchangesneedtobemadeinthestudent sspecialeducationprogram,theycanrequest thatacpseprogramreviewmeetingbeconvenedtoaddresstheirconcerns. AnnualReview TheCPSEmustmeetatleastannuallytoreviewthe student s progress and revise the IEP as appropriate. These meetings are generally held from April through June. At any time during the year, a parent(s)/guardian(s) may request a ProgramReviewmeetingtodiscusshis/herchild s IEPbycallingorwritingKatyMontilli,CPSEOffice Assistant TheProceduralSafeguardsNoticeissentwitheveryinitialreferral,everytimetheSpecialServices officeisnotifiedthattheparentisindisagreementwithaniep.alliepmailingstoparentsincludea statementadvisingparentsthattheymayrequestacopyoftheproceduralsafeguardsnoticeand thatthenoticeisavailable,electronically,onthespecialserviceswebpage Atanytimeduringtheyear,aparent(s)/guardian(s)mayrequestameetingtodiscusshis/herchild s IEP. 14

15 NOTE:ProceduralSafeguards Dueprocessisacrucialpartofthespecialeducationprocess,anditspurposeistoprotectastudent s rights.anoverallsummaryofdueprocessassurancesisasfollows: DUEPROCESS CONSENT:Theparent(s)/guardian(s)hastherighttogiveorwithholdconsentfortheinitial evaluationandplacementofthestudentinspecialeducation;however,thedistricthasthe righttoproceedtoanimpartialhearingofficertoseektooverridetherefusaltoconsentto aninitialevaluation; All documents related to activities for which consent is required (e.g., consent for evaluations,andpriorwrittennoticesadvisingofachangein/amendmenttotheprogram) must be translated in the dominant language of the parent(s)/guardian(s), but not every correspondence must be translated (there is also no specific requirement that IEPs be translated) NOTIFICATIONOFACTIONS:Theparent(s)/guardian(s)mustbeinformedofhis/herrights regarding any proposed actions by the school district, any changes in classification, placement,andservices,andtherighttoexamineandobtaincopiesofhis/herstudent s records RIGHTTOPARTICIPATE:Theparent(s)/guardian(s)hastherighttoparticipateinanydecisions affectinghis/herchild. RIGHT TO FILE A COMPLAINT: The parent(s)/guardian(s) has the right to file a written complainttonewyorkstateeducationdepartmentifhe/shefeelsthestudent srightshave beenviolated. RIGHTTOANINDEPENDENTEVALUATION:Iftheparent(s)/guardian(s)disagreeswiththe district evaluation, he/she has the right to an independent educational evaluation. If the districtfeelsthatitsevaluationisappropriate,itmayinitiateahearing. RIGHT TO CHALLENGE: The parent(s)/guardian(s) has the right to challenge the school district s decisions regarding his/her child. Before initiating an impartial hearing, parent(s)/guardian(s)isrequestedtoconsideranalternativemethod,suchasmediation. RIGHTTOMEDIATION:Mediationisalessformalprocessforresolvingdisagreementsabout a student s special education evaluation, program, or placement. A mediator, who is appointedbythestate,willmeetwiththeparent(s)/guardian(s)andschoolpersonneltotry toworkoutasolutionwhichisacceptabletobothparties.ifthiscannotbeaccomplished, themattercanproceedtoanimpartialhearing. 15

16 WhathappensafterPreschool? AfterPreschool(atage5),yourchild agesout andisthenreferredtoamultidisciplinaryteam(forages 5to21),theCommitteeonSpecialEducation. WhatisthetransitionfromtheCPSEtotheCSE? Preschoolspecialeducationservicesendeitheronthelastdayintheschoolyearinwhichyourchild turnsfiveorthelastdayinaugustinwhichyourchildturnsfive.transitionplanningwillbealargepart ofthefinalcpseannualreviewmeeting.somechildrenmaybe declassified,havingmettheirgoals orsomechildrenmaybereferredtothecsetodeterminewhetherornottheymeetschoolage eligibilityunderideaandparts200and201,andifso,anewschoolageiepwillbegenerated. QuestionsorconcernsaboutthisprocessshouldbeaddressedtotheDistrictCPSEChairperson. WhatdoIneedtoknowaboutKindergartenScreening? Anychildturning5byDecember1iseligibleforKindergarteninSeptemberofthatyear.Kindergarten screeningtakesplaceinfebruarythroughtheendofmarchbeforetheseptemberentrydate.itisthe parents responsibilitytonotifytheschooldistrictoftheimpendingentry.parentsshouldcalltheirlocal schooltogetfurtherregistrationinformation: IncreaseMillerElementarySchool KatonahElementarySchool MeadowPondElementarySchool 4. CommitteeonSpecialEducation(CSE) WhatistheCSE(CommitteeonSpecialEducation)? Asaparent,ifyoubelieveyourchildishavingdifficultiesintheschoolsetting,itisimportanttoarrangea conferencewiththeclassroomteacher,schoolpsychologist,orcounselor.prereferralinterventionand strategiesareakeycomponentofidea.theparent,principal,teachersandbuildingspecialistsshould planacourseofactionthatwillprovideadditionalbuildinglevelsupportservicethroughresponseto Intervention. These can include, but are not limited to, alternative instructional interventions and strategies,buildinglevelspeechandlanguageservices,programmodifications,etc. If, after multiple tiers of interventions supported by detailed data collection, there is no response to intervention,areferralshouldbemadetothecommitteeonspecialeducation.thisreferralcancome directlyfromyou,theparent,aschoolstaffmember,physician,familycourtjudge,orsocialservices Agent. TheCSEisamultidisciplinaryteamestablishedbylawandregulations,forstudents ages5to21.thecse isresponsibleformeetingformallytodiscussthereferralandevaluationofyourchild.thecsereviews theevaluations,therecommendationsandtheservicesandtheprogramsappropriateforthechild.ifthe Committeedeterminesthatyourchildiseligibleforspecialeducationservices,itwillformulatetheIEP (IndividualizedEducationProgram). 16

17 Remember,thisisaPROCESS.FirstcomestheREFERRAL,thentheEVALUATION,ultimatelyleadingtothe DETERMINATIONandPLACEMENT.Thegoalisasatisfyingnextstepinyourchild seducationalperiod. WhoattendstheCSEmeeting? ThemandatedmembersforinitialreferraloftheCSEinclude: Arepresentativeoftheschooldistrictwhoisqualifiedtoprovide,administerorsupervise specialeducation(e.g.directorofspecialservicesorsupervisorsofspecialservices) Aschoolpsychologist Aparentmember,appointedbytheBoardofEducation(thisroleisnolongermandated, butoptional.youtheparentcanrequestaparentmemberbepresentatyourmeetingwith awrittennoticeby72hourspriortoyourmeeting). Aregulareducationteacher(ifthechildparticipatesorisbeingconsideredforparticipation inregulareducationclasses) Aspecialeducationteacher Aschoolphysician(appointedbytheBoardofEducation),ifrequestedbytheparentorthe CSE Arepresentativefromtheschooldistrictknowledgeableaboutthegeneralcurriculumand availabilityofresources(thismaybethechairperson,thepsychologistorthespecial educator) Theparent(s)orlegalguardian(s)ofthechild. Inadditiontothemandatedmembers,thedistrictmayincludeotherpersonswhomitfeelsmaybehelpful to the CSE, including guidance counselors, related service personnel, administrators and other professionals.thechild scurrentclassroomteacherispresentatthecsewheneverpossible.parents mayalwaysinviteotherpersons,whohavedirectknowledgeabouttheirchild,toattendthecsemeeting. Whatisaparentmember? A parent member is no longer a mandated member of the Committee under the New York State EducationalLaw.TheparentmemberisappointedbytheBoardofEducationeachyeartotheCommittee andisavolunteer,hasachildwithadisabilityandresideswithinthelocalschooldistrict.theparent representativehasbeenthroughthespecialeducationprocess,hasbeenofficiallytrainedtoassistand canhelpanswerthosemanyquestionsyoumighthave.theinformationremainsconfidential. WhenandwhereareCSEmeetingsheld? CSEmeetingsaretypicallyheldintheschoolbuildingyourchildattendsortheOfficeofSpecialServices, unlessotherwisenoted.thecsemustmeetannuallytoreviewthechild sprogressandcreateaniepfor thefollowingyear. 5. ReferralandEvaluation AreferralforanevaluationisinitiatedbyawrittenrequestsenttotheDirectorofSpecialServices.It indicatesthatyoubelieveyourchildhasadisabilityandthatitadverselyaffectshis/hereducational performance.thisreferralsignalsthatthereisasuspecteddisabilityandthatanevaluationisinorder. TheindividualsthatcanmakeareferraltotheCSEinclude: 17

18 18 Theparent(s)orguardian(s); Adesigneeoftheschooldistrict; TheDepartmentofSocialServicesCommissioner; Adesigneeofachildcareinstitution; Arequestforareferralmaybebythefollowing: Alicensedphysician Thestudentonhis/herownbehalf,if18yearsofageorolder,oranemancipatedminor Within10daysofreceiptofa request forareferral,thecsechairpersoneither:(a)requestsconsent fromtheparenttoinitiatetheevaluations;or(b)providestheparentacopyoftherequest,andinforms theparentoftherighttorefertothecse. Whatistheevaluationprocess? Theevaluationprocessshouldlookatthewholechildandincludeinformationaboutyourchild stotal environment.standardizedtestsareanimportantpartoftheevaluation,providinginformationabout howyourchild spresentlevelofperformancecomparestohis/herpeers.thefamilyinputisalso invaluable.theschoolpsychologistorsocialworkerwillasktheparentstofilloutasocialhistoryform thatincludesdetailsaboutdevelopmentalhistory,homebehavior,siblingrelationshipsandplaytime withotherchildren.observationsfromtheclassroomteachercanalsobeveryusefulinassessingthe child sstrengthsandneeds.alltestsandinterviewsmustbeconductedindividuallyinyourchild s primarylanguage.atranslatormustbeprovidedifenglishisnottheprimarylanguage.testingmust notdiscriminateonthebasisofdisability,raceorculture. Whatisincludedonmychild sevaluation? Theevaluationmustinclude: Aphysicalexamination Anindividualpsychologicalevaluationbytheschoolpsychologist Acompletesocialhistory Awrittenobservationofthestudentintheclassroomsetting Appropriateeducationalevaluationsandassessmentsrelatingtotheareasofsuspected disabilities. Inaddition,otherevaluativeinformationmaybeprovidedincludingreportcards,progressreports, disciplinereportsandvocationalassessments. Schoolprofessionalswillalsoobserveyourchildinseveralschoolenvironments(e.g.ontheplayground, atlunch)andmayadministertestsandotherprocedurestoexamineyourchild sfunctioninginthe followingareas: Speechandlanguage Personalityandadaptivebehaviorpatterns Academicachievement Cognitivepotential(intelligence) Perceptualability Grossandfinemotorperformance.

19 Whoanalyzesthetestresults? TheCSEreviewsalltheevaluationmaterialsthathavebeengatheredconcerningyourchild.After reviewingthedata,andafteracompletediscussion,thecsedeterminesifyourchildiseligiblefor specialeducationservices.ifyoudisagreewiththeschooldistrict sevaluation,youhavetherightto obtainanindependentevaluationandtorequestthatitbeatpublicexpense.ifyoudisagree,youmust makeyourrequestforanindependenteducationevaluation(iee)inwriting.districtpolicy# statescostlimitsonindependentevaluations.yourchildwillbereevaluatedeverythreeyears. CanmychildreceivesupportserviceswithoutCSEclassification? Katonahprovidesanarrayofsupportserviceswithoutclassification.Thismayincludespeechand languageservices,psychologicalcounseling,andrti(responsetointerventionservices).studentsmay alsobeconsideredforeligibilityforasection504accommodationplan. CanKatonahLewisboroevaluatemychildwithoutmyconsent? ParentsorlegalguardiansmustsignaConsentformtogivetheschooldistrictpermissiontoassessyour child.theschooldistrictmustnotifyparentspriortoanycseevaluationsandspecifywhatassessments willbeusedintheevaluation.thedistrictcanrequestanimpartialhearingofficeroverrideifaparent refusestoprovideconsent. WhatifIdonotagreewiththeCSEdecision? IfyoudisagreewiththedecisioncommunicatedbytheCSE,stateyourdisagreementatthemeeting. TheCSEchairpersonwillwanttounderstandyourconcernsandwhatyourspecificdisagreementsare. TheCSEwillconsiderwhetheradditionalevaluations/informationareneededtoaddressyourconcerns, andifso,recommendsameandscheduleanothercsetoreview.specialeducationserviceproviders arecommittedtoworkingtogetherwithyouasateamtomeetyourchild sneeds. 6. Implementation:TheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP) WhatistheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)? TheIEPisanextremelyimportantlegaldocument.Thisisthebasisforinstructionforyourchild.Some oftheinformationincludedintheiepisasfollows: Summaryofyourchild scurrentabilitiesandneeds Descriptionofprogramsandservicesdesignedtomeetthoseneeds Listofservicesyourchildwillreceivesuchasprogrammodifications TheIEPisdevelopedattheCPSEortheCSEmeetingandincludesinputfromallmeetingmembers, includingtheparents.atthebeginningofeachschoolyear,youmaywishtodiscusstheiepwitha schoolprofessionaltoclarifystrategies. Youmustgivewrittenconsentbeforeyouplaceyourchildinaspecialeducationprogramforthefirst time.ifyoudonotagreewithwhathasbeenproposedinyourchild siep,thenyoushouldnotsignthe ConsentforInitialServicesForm.Itisimportantforyoutodiscussyourconcernswiththeschool. 19

20 Anannualreviewisheldformallyeachyear,usuallyinthespringtorevisetheIEPandtocheckonyour child sprogressfortheschoolyear.youmayrequestaniepprogramreviewmeetingatanytimeduring theschoolyearbycontactingthespecialeducationchairpersonorthedirectorofspecialservices. Everythreeyearsafullbatteryoftestsisadministered.ThisisknownasaReevaluation. Whatprogramsandservicesareavailable? Theschooldistrictmustofferavarietyofprogramsandservicestomeetthedifferingneedsofstudents withdisabilities.thisisreferredtoasthecontinuumofservices.thiscontinuumincludessuch programsas: Relatedservices speech/language,counseling,physicaltherapy,occupationaltherapy Consultantteacher directand/orindirect ResourceRoomProgram specializedsupplementaryinstruction IntegratedCoTeaching SpecialClass AdaptivePhysicalEducation TravelTraining Privatedayschools Residentialschools Home/hospitalinstruction TheCPSEorCSEmustselectandrecommendthecomponentsorcombinationofcomponentsofthe continuumthatmeetsastudent sneedsinwhatiscalledtheleastrestrictiveenvironment(lre). Studentscanreceiveservicesforeithera10or12monthschoolyear,dependingonwhethertheCSE recommendsextendedschoolyearservices. 7. SpecialEducationProgramsandSupportServicesOfferedbythe KatonahLewisboroSchoolDistrict PRESCHOOL The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) is responsible for identifying and evaluating preschoolchildren(ages34)withdisabilitiesandarrangingforthedeliveryofspecialeducationservices toeligiblechildren.abroadrangeofrelatedservicesandspecialeducationprogramsareavailableto meettheeducationalneedsofpreschoolstudentswithdisabilities.manystudentsreceiverelatedservices (i.e.,speech/languagetherapy,occupationaltherapy)intheirhomeormainstreampreschoolprogram. Studentswhoareeligibletoattendaspecialeducationprogramareplacedinstateapprovedprograms locatedthroughoutwestchestercounty. SCHOOLAGEPROGRAMS Yourchild'sdailyprogrammightconsistofseveraldifferentformsofservicetosupporttheirlearningin the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The LRE is the educational setting that permits a child with disabilitiestoderivethemosteducationalbenefitwhileparticipatinginaregulareducationalenvironment tothemaximumextentappropriate.lreisrequiredundertheindividualswithdisabilitiesact. 20

21 AvailableclassroomformatsincludeConsultantTeacher,CoTeaching,ResourceRoom,Special Class,SpecialDayProgram,ResidentialSchoolProgramandHome/HospitalInstruction. Classroom programs can also be supplemented by Related Services Adaptive Physical Education, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Therapy, Travel Training, Counseling, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Assistive Technology. SpecialEducationPrograms TheKatonahLewisboroSchoolDistricthasanumberofindistrictspecialeducationprogramsandservices forclassifiedstudents.theseprogramsandservicesreflectthe201415schoolyear,andaresubjectto changebasedonthechangingneedsofthepopulation. IncreaseMillerElementarySchool K2 grade special class servicing students who need specialized instruction with a smaller student/teacher/paraprofessionalratiotomeettheirindividuallearningneedsandprofile. Grades35specialclasswithafocusonintegrationofAssistiveTechnology. ConsultantTeacherandResourceRoomservices RelatedServices KatonahElementarySchool Grades2,3,4and5SpecialClasses ConsultantTeacherandResourceRoom RelatedServices MeadowPondElementarySchool Grades2,3,4and5SpecialClasses ConsultantTeacherandResourceRoom RelatedServices JohnJayMiddleSchool SpecialClassesprovidedinGrades68 theseclassesarenonintegratedandprovideasmaller student/teacherratiowithindividualizedprogrammingandsupporttomeetstudentneeds. Grades68ResourceRoom SupportClasswitharatioof5students:1specialeducationteacher, scheduledalternatedaysordaily,focusingoniepgoalsandcollaboratingwithgeneraleducation teacherstosupportstudentprogressinthegeneraleducationclasses. CoTeaching Model in Grades 68 typical grade level academic program where a Special Education Teacher pushes into ELA and Math classes to provide specialized assistance to students.includesasupportperiodforacademicassistance. JohnJayHighSchool Grades912ResourceRoom SupportClasswitharatioof5students:1specialeducation teacher,scheduledalternatedaysordaily,focusingoniepgoalsandcollaboratingwithgeneral educationteacherstosupportstudentprogressinthegeneraleducationclasses. 21

22 Grades9and10IntegratedCoTeaching English,Math,Science.Thesegeneraleducation classesaretaughtdailybyacoresubjectteacherandaspecialeducationteachertoenrich studentlearning,accessthegeneraleducationcurriculumandhelpstudentspreparefora RegentsorLocalDiploma. Grades912SpecialClass Math,English,Science,SocialStudies,AcademicLabsproviding supportforstudentswhoneedspecializedinstructionandsmallclassstudenttoteacherratios tomeettheirindividuallearningneedsandsupportprogresstowardaregentsorlocal Diploma. SkillsandAchievementCommencementCredentialClass providingservicestostudentswith developmentaldisabilitieswhorequirefunctionalacademicskillsanddailyadaptivelivingskills tomeeteachstudentattheirdevelopmentallearninglevels.inaddition,asstudentsageup, opportunitiesfortransitionservicessuchasthebocestechcenterandworkstudyprograms withinourlocalcommunityaremadeavailabletostudents. AdaptivePhysicalEducation Studentswhorequireaspeciallydesignedprogramofdevelopmentalactivities,games,sports andrhythmssuitedtotheinterests,capacitiesandlimitationsofstudentswithdisabilitieswhomaynot safelyorsuccessfullyengageinunrestrictedparticipationintheactivitiesoftheregularphysical educationprogram. TravelTraining Studentsrequiringinstruction,asappropriate,tostudentswithsignificantcognitivedisabilities,andany otherstudentswithdisabilitieswhorequirethisinstruction,toenablethemtodevelopanawarenessof theenvironmentinwhichtheylive;andlearntheskillstomoveeffectivelyandsafelyfromplacetoplace withinthatenvironment. OutofDistrictPlacement Studentswithdisabilitieswhoseneedsaretoointensivemaybeplacedinanoutofdistrictprogram. Examplesincludethefollowing: specialclassoperatedbyanotherschooldistrict abocesprogram anapprovedprivateschool(day) WestchesterExceptionalChildren,Purdys,NY SummitSchool,UpperNyack,NY GreenChimney'sSchool,Brewster,NY ClearviewSchoolScarborough,NY 4201orStateOperatedschool anapprovedresidentialplacement Home/HospitalInstruction SupportServices Speech&LanguageServices SpeechandLanguageservicesareprovidedtostudentswhoneedthisinterventioninordertobenefit from instruction. Service delivery can be a pullout model, inclusive model, or consultation model. 22

23 Articulationservicesareprovidedtoincreaseintelligibilityofphonemicproduction.Buildinglevelservices may be provided to students in grades K6 who are not classified but require additional support in matriculationandlanguagedevelopmentforstudents. PsychologicalServices Psychologistsprovidesupportforalldistrictstudents.Psychologistscompleteevaluationsasmandated by the Committee on Special Education. The School psychologist will assist the educational team to complete functional behavior assessments, behavior intervention plans and provide counseling and emotionalsupporttosupportthestudent sabilitytofunctionintheclassroom. School psychologists advise parents, staff, and administrators on a variety of issues dealing with a student's psychological health and how it impacts a student s learning. The school psychologist is an integralmemberofeachbuildinglevelcrisisinterventionteam. SocialWorkerServices SchoolSocialWorkers: ServetheMentalHealthNeedsofStudents&Families ProvideCrisisIntervention DevelopPartnershipsWithCommunityresources DeliverSpecialEducationServices PromotehomeSchoolCommunication LeadPreventionPrograms CollaborateWithandSupportStaff HelpTeachersDiscoverNewResources FacilitatethedevelopmentofFunctionalBehaviorAnalysis/BehaviorInterventionPlans (FBA/BIPs) SchoolSocialWorkers:WhoWeAreandWhatWeDo: SchoolSocialWorkisaspecializedareaofpracticewithinthebroadfileofsocialwork SchoolSocialWorkersbringuniqueprofessionalknowledge,skillsandperspectivetotheschool systemandpupilservicesteam SchoolSocialWorkersenhancetheacademicmissionbyprovidingserviceswhichstrengthen home/school/communitypartnerships SchoolSocialWorkersactivelyaddressbarrierswithinthechild/adolescent,home,school,and communitythatinterferewithstudentachievement SchoolSocialWorkersserveascatalyststobringpeopletogetherandtocreateanenvironment thatisconducivetoeffectiveproblemsolvingandlearning SchoolSocialWorkers practiceincludes:assessment,crisisintervention,homevisits,conflict resolution,individualandgroupcounseling,consultation,programdevelopmentand, coordinationofschoolandcommunityservices. 23

24 OccupationalTherapy/PhysicalTherapy OTandPTsupportareconsideredbytheCSEwhenimpactonclassroomperformanceisindicated.Skills andactivitiesareprovidedtoimprovefineandgrossmotorfunctioningaswellassensoryintegration. Servicemodelsincludeindividualpullout,grouptherapy,andinclassactivities,aswellasconsultation forstaffandparents. TeacheroftheDeafandHardofHearing ServicesareprovidedthroughadistrictemployedTeacheroftheDeafandhardofHearingwhooffers student training, materials, equipment, auditory consultation, and mobility training. These services includetrainingforthestaffandparentstobetterunderstandtheneedsandissuesfacingstudentswhose hearingimpairsfunctioningwithoutsupportintheclassroomsetting. AssistiveTechnologyServices Assistivetechnology(AT)isanytoolthathelpsstudentswithdisabilitiesdothingsmorequickly,easilyor independently.assistivetechnologyservicesaresupportsforusingassistivetechnologydevices,suchas assistivetechnologyevaluations,equipmentmaintenance,technicalassistance,demonstrationor training. InKatonahLewisboro,assistivetechnologycanprovideaccommodations,modificationsoradaptations madetotheenvironment,curriculum,instruction,orassessmentpractices.herearethewayskatonah Lewisboroensuresthatstudentswithdisabilitieshaveaccesstotheassistivetechnologydevicesand servicesthattheyneedinordertoparticipateinandbenefitfromtheireducationalprogram: SupporttheCommitteeofSpecialEducationbyprovidingguidanceinthedecisionmaking processwhichwillevaluatetheappropriatenessofassistivetechnologytoolsorintervention strategies. Developareferralsystemthatwillfacilitateaccessforstudentassessmentintheareaof AssistiveTechnology. Providecomprehensive,multidisciplinaryevaluationsthatwillhelpstudentswith disabilitiesparticipateintheireducationalprogram. ConsultandAssess(throughobservations,interviews,andthecollectionofdatafromformal andinformaltests,directlyassessingthestudent). Trainstudents,parents,andstaffintheuseofassistivetechnologydevices. Offerstaffdevelopmentopportunitiestoshareinformationconcerningassistivetechnology tools,andstrategies. EncouragetheuseofUniversalDesignFeaturesfoundincommonapplication,orcomputer operatingsystems. Contactneighboringschooldistrictstoshare,exchange,andobtaininformationabout AssistiveTechnology. Continuetoreceivetrainingandopportunitiestoupdateskillsrequiredsothattheteamcan continuetoofferstateoftheartservicesandinterventions. 24

25 SchoolNurse RegisterednursesareassignedtoschoolsintheDistrict.Itisimportanttolettheschoolnurseknowabout anymedicalissuesachildmaybeexperiencing.anytimemedicationisgivenorchanged,thenursemust beinformedandupdatedmedicationformssubmitted.inaddition,theschoolnurseadministersfirstaid as required and performs annual vision, hearing and Scoliosis screenings. The school nurse is also responsibleformakingsurethataphysicalexaminationisonrecordforpupilsingrades1,3,7and10,as wellasfornewstudentsandcandidatesforathleticteams.theschoolnursemonitorsthecertificationof medical immunizations and communicable disease control. The school nurse is responsible for daily studentattendancerecords,incidentreportsandstudentinsurance. 8. TheLeastRestrictiveEnvironment(LRE) TheLeastRestrictiveEnvironment(LRE)istheeducationalsettingthatpermitsachildwith disabilitiestoderiveeducationalbenefitwhileparticipatinginaregulareducational environmenttothemaximumextentappropriate.lreisarequirementundertheidea. Ifyoufeelthatachangeinservicesisneeded,youshouldspeaktotheprofessionalswhoare workingwithyourchildtodiscusstheprogressandtheissuesinvolved.ifyoufeelyourchildis notmakingprogresswiththecurrentprogram,youmayrequestacsemeetingtodiscussa revisionoftheiep.thecsewilleitheragreeordisagreewiththerevision.youmayappeal throughdueprocess. 9. Confidentiality Everychild sevaluations,testscoresandpersonalinformationforthecsearekeptina confidentialfileintheofficeofthedirectorofspecialservices.thefileiskeptseparatefrom yourchild sregularschoolfile,whichislocatedatyourchild sschool.noonemayseethe confidentialfileexceptforthecsecommitteeandproperschoolpersonnel. 10. Declassification Ifyourchildisperformingatthesamelevelashis/heragemates,he/shemaybeconsideredfor declassification.he/she can then move from special education programs to full time regular education and mainstreaming.declassified students may be eligible for up to one year of declassified support services, retention of testing accommodations until graduation and eligibilityforthegraduation SafetyNet,asdiscussedandagreeduponattheCSE. 25

26 11. Section504 WhatisthedifferencebetweenanIEPandaSection504? Not all students who have disabilities require specialized instruction.section 504s are for students with disabilities who do not require specialized instruction but may need accommodationsinordertoaccessfreeappropriatepubliceducation. ASection504Planiscreatedtoensureyourchildreceivesappropriateaccommodationsinorder toaccesspubliceducation.itshouldbeupdatedannuallytoensureyourchildisreceivingthe mostappropriateaccommodationsforhis/herspecificareaofdisability.. Whatqualifiesasadisabilityunder504? Ifyoususpectyourchildmayhaveadisabilityrequiringaccommodations,pleasecontactthe OfficeofSpecialServicesforinformationonreferralforconsiderationofa504Accommodation Plan. SchoolDistrictResponsibilities UndercurrentNYLawtheschooldistrictmustprovidetransportationtootherpublic,privateand parochial schools for children with special needs who are eligible for transportation services. Transportation within a 50mile radius of their home is considered if the classified student is attendinganonpublicschoolforthepurposeofreceivingservicessimilartothoserecommended bytheiep.thisrightisspelledoutinsection4402(4)(d)oftheeducationlaw. Eachyearthefamilyofthespecialeducationstudentmustcompletearequestforoutofdistrict transportationandsubmitittothedistricttransportationofficebyapril1stinordertoguarantee busingfortheirstudent.notethatdirectservicetotheoutsideschoolisnotguaranteed,andin somecasesahubsystemmaybeemployedinwhichstudentsaretransportedtoalocationwhere busesfromseveralpointsinthedistrictmeetandconsolidatestudentsgoingtothesameoutof districtplacement.thismayimpactthetimethestudentspendsintransiteachday. Withinthedistrict,specialeducationelementarystudentsaresometimesrecommendedfora specialeducationprogramoutsidetheirhomeelementaryschoolarea.inthiscase,studentsare providedtransportation,bythedistrict.transportationneedsareaddressedbythecse. 12. DiplomaOptionsandtheClassifiedStudent TheNYStateDepartmentofEducationhasimplementeddiplomaandcredentialrequirements forallhighschoolstudents.amongtheoptionsavailableareregentsdiploma(whichrequires studenttopass5regentsexamswithatleasta65orbetterscore),localdiploma(lowpass option requiresthatstudentspass5regentsexaminationswitha55orbetterscore),career and Technical Education Endorsement, Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) CommencementCredential,andSkillsandAchievementCommencement. Moreinformationabouteachoptionisavailableatthefollowingwebsite: 26

27 14.PostGraduation TransitionPlanning Transitionplanningforpostgraduationshouldbeginearly.NYStaterequirestransitionplanning forspecialeducationstudentstobeginnolaterthanage15.katonahlewisborobeginstransition planningatage14.manystudentsbegintoattendtheirowncsemeetingsatthisage,inorder tolearntoadvocateforthemselves. RememberthattheIEPdoesnotfollowthestudentbeyondHighSchool.Whilemoststudents who have received services will continue to some form of higher education at a college or university, there are many options for families to consider including, vocational training, and military service to accrue funding for college at a later point in life. Residing at home, while beginningcoursesatalocalcommunitycollegemaybeanidealoptionforsomestudentswith disabilities. HigherEducation After Graduation from High School, a child who has received services under IDEA may need support when going on to higher education.each college has different criteria for providing specialaccommodationsforitsstudents.whenyourchildrequestsacollegeapplication,itis imperativethathe/sherequestsinformationfromthespecialservicesdivisionaswell.discuss this beforehand with the Secondary Special Education Coordinator and your child s Guidance Counselor. All students must learn to be strong selfadvocates. Selfadvocacy promotes selfesteem, independenceandtheacquisitionofcompensatorystrategies.whetherastudenthasadisability ornot,he/shedeservestohavehis/hereducationalneedsmet.learningtobeproactiveisthe keyingredienttosuccess. Manystudentswhowouldnothavebeencollegebound10or15yearsagoarefindingmany optionshaveopenedforspecialeducationandautismspectrumstudentsoncollegecampuses. Manyofferspecialresidentialsettingsdesignedforthedisabledstudentwhoneedsmore supervisionand/orguidancethanatypicalcollegestudent. SomeKeyResources ACollegeGuideforStudentswithSpecialNeeds thisguideprovidesinformationoncolleges, universitiesandotherpostsecondaryschoolsthatprovideavarietyofservicesforstudents withspecialneeds. 20IncredibleCollegesforSpecialNeedsStudents website students/ SpecialEducationuntilAge21 Generally,studentswithdisabilitieswhoareeligiblefortheNewYorkStateAlternate Assessment(NYSAA)areentitledtopublicschooleducationuntiltheendoftheschoolyearin whichtheyturn21.again,parentswillbeawareofwhethertheirchildfitsthiscategorywell beforethestudentturns18.thisdoesnotmeanthatthechildisrequiredtostayinschooluntil 27

28 age21.inthepast,suchstudentsweregrantedaniepdiplomabasedonthegoalsachievedon theiriep.beginningwiththe201314schoolyear,thatisbeingreplacedwithanystateskills andachievementcommencementcredentialissuedwithasummaryofthestudent sacademic achievementandfunctionalperformance. Transitionplanningisessentialforfamiliesofstudentsinthiscategoryandshouldbeginyears beforethestudentleaveshighschool.anyfamilyseekinggovernmentservicesposthighschool, should apply for eligibility through the New York State OPWDD (Office for People with DevelopmentalDisabilities)system.(Notethatitisnotnecessarytobe18inordertoapplyfor OPWDDeligibility.ProvisionalEligibilitycanbegrantedforchildrenbirthto8,andanyone8and abovecanapplyforpermanenteligibility.) ForWestchestercountyresidents,theDCMH(DepartmentofCommunityMentalHealth)isthe mainpointofentryintotheopwddsystem. Westchester families may also utilize Shortterm Family Assistance programs. These are providedby approvedagencieswithinthe countythathavereceivedfundingtohelpfamilies applyforopwddeligibility,andpublicbenefitslikemedicaid.theycanalsoofferassistanceto parentsseekingguardianshipoftheiradultchildrenwithdisabilities. TheTransitionCoordinatorattheWestchesterCountyDepartmentofMentalHealthcanbe reachedat(914) ,andcanprovidealistoftheseagenciesandisanessentialcontactfor families entering the post high school years. Parents may also want to contact the Parent to Parent of NY State Program. The Hudson Valley Region Office is located at the Westchester InstituteforHumanDevelopment(WIHD)at(914) or TheWestchesterCountyTransitionCoordinatorcanalsoprovideanuptodatedirectoryofday habilitation programs in Westchester County, an excellent option for many developmentally disabledstudentsafterhighschool. ResidentialOptions Ifresidentialplacementmaysomedaybeneeded,(grouphome,supervisedlivingarrangements,etc.) FamiliesshouldcontacttheCountyDepartmentofMentalHealthat(914) tobeplacedonthe NYCareslistforresidentialoptions.EligibilitymustalreadybeestablishedforOPWDDservices,andthe individual must be at least 18 years old.the wait for this type of housing can often take years and thereforeitisbesttoplaceawestchesterindividualonthenycareslistassoonashe/sheturns18. 28