Information on Special Education for school-age students may be
requested by contacting either the School Principal, School Psychologist, or the
School District Chairperson for the Committee on Special Education.
If
you are inquiring about a specialized private school for your child, please call
our Information and Referral Specialist at (518) 886-0200 -9- Ext 146.
Special education needs assistance can also be obtained through the
Exceptional Family Member Program(EFMP) that can be accessed through Military
Medical Hosipitals/Clinics.
The Special Education Process includes the
following:
Parent's Guide to Special Education in New York State for
Children Ages 3-21
What is Special Education?
Special education
means specially designed individualized or group instruction or special
services
or programs to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
Special education services and
programs are provided at no cost to the
parent.
What are the steps in the Special Education Process?
Step
1: Initial Referral for Special Education Services.
Students suspected of
having a disability are referred to a multidisciplinary team called the
Committee on Special Education or the Committee on Preschool Special
Education.
Step 2: Individual Evaluation Process. The Committee arranges
for an evaluation of the student's abilities and needs.
Step 3:
Determining Eligibility for Special Education Services. Based on evaluation
results, the Committee decides if the student is eligible to receive special
education services and programs.
Step 4: Individualized Education Program
(IEP). If the child is eligible to receive special education services, the
Committee develops and implements an appropriate IEP, based on evaluation
results, to meet the needs of the student. Based on the IEP, the Committee must
determine the student's placement, ensuring that services are provided in the
least restrictive environment (LRE). Placement must be as close as possible to
the student's home, and unless the student's IEP requires some other
arrangement, the student must be educated in the school he or she would have
attended in not disabled.
Step 5: Annual Review/Reevaluation. The IEP is
reviewed and, if needed, modified or revised by the Committee at least once a
year (annual review). The student has a reevaluation at least once every three
years, to review the student's need for special education programs and services
and to revise the IEP, as appropriate. A reevaluation may also occur when
conditions warrant or when requested by a parent or teacher. The process occurs
sequentially with each step building on the previous one. In this way,
comprehensive information about the student is obtained and considered.
Timelines are in place so that delays are avoided. Parents are an integral part
of this process, and your involvement is encouraged.