4321.2

PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Board of Education 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 to carry out this responsibility. Such administrative practices and procedures shall include:

  1. locating and identifying all preschool children with disabilities pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Education Law during the next year. 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);

  2. ensuring that the parent s of preschool ago children with disabilities have received and understand the request for consent for evaluation of their child;

  3. developing an individualized education program (IEP) for each preschool age child with a disability;

  4. appointing and training appropriately qualified personnel including the members of a CPSE;

  5. maintaining lists of State Education Department-approved special education programs within the country and adjoining counties in which the district is located; and

  6. 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 CPSE as required under the Education Law. Its responsibilities will include the evaluation and recommendation for placement in appropriate approved programs and the provisions 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 determine the appropriate approved preschool program and services for the district children. Should the Board’s determination differ from parent or guardian preference of the CPE recommendations, it must set forth its reasons for reaching a different conclusion. Placement may be appealed by a parent or guardian to an impartial hearing officer, appointed by the Superintendent.

The Board directs the Superintendent to ensure that the District considers that adequate and appropriate space is made available for such programs and services should the District receive state aid for preschool children with disabilities pursuant to Section 4410 of the Education Law.

The Board also directs the Superintendent to ensure the development and maintenance of a two-year plan which incorporates information concerning the provision of services for preschool children with disabilities, pursuant to the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

Ref. Section 4410 Education Law

Adoption Date: February 28, 1995