The Board of Education (“Board”) of the North Colonie Central School District (“District”) recognizes the value of special education and its responsibility in ensuring that all resident preschool children with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in special programs and services from which they may benefit. The Board authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to establish administrative practices and procedures which shall include:
- locating and identifying all preschool children with disabilities pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Education Law. The register of children eligible to attend a preschool program is to be maintained and revised annually by the Committee on Preschool Special Education (“CPSE”);
- ensuring that the parent(s)/guardian(s) of preschool age children with disabilities have received and understand the request for consent for evaluation of their child;
- developing an individualized education program (“IEP”) for each preschool age child with a disability;
- appointing and training appropriately qualified personnel including the members of a CPSE;
- maintaining lists of impartial hearing officers and of State Education Department approved special education programs within the county and adjoining counties in which the District is located; and
- reporting to the State Education Department the number of children with disabilities that are being served, as well as those not served.
The Board of Education hereby establishes the Committee for Pre-school Special Education (CPSE) as required under the New York Education Law. Its responsibilities will include the evaluation and recommendation for placement in appropriate approved programs and the provision of appropriate special education programs and services for each preschool child with a disability. The CPSE shall review, at least annually, the status of each preschool child with a disability.
It is ultimately the responsibility of the Board to arrange for the appropriate approved preschool program and services for the District children. Should the Board disagree with the CPSE’s recommendations, it shall send the recommendation back to the CPSE so that they may schedule a timely meeting to review the Board’s concerns and to revise the IEP as deemed appropriate.
Placement may be appealed by a parent/guardian to an impartial hearing officer, appointed by the Board. Mediation shall be offered to such parents/guardians to resolve complaints regarding the education of preschool children with disabilities at the same time notice of the availability of an impartial hearing is provided. The CPSE shall make an annual report on the status of each preschool child with a disability and report on the adequacy of preschool special education programs and services to the Board.
The Board directs the Superintendent to ensure that the District considers that adequate and appropriate space is made available for such programs and services. The Board directs the Superintendent to develop and maintain a plan which incorporates information concerning the provision of services for preschool children with disabilities, pursuant to the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.
Ref: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq.
Education Law §4410
8 NYCRR Part 200
Adopted: October 24, 2011