The CSE chairperson, upon receipt of a referral for initial evaluation, records the date the referral was received by the Committee chairperson or the building administrator, whichever is earlier. If received by the building administrator, it is immediately forward it to the Committee chairperson. If received by the committee chairperson, a copy is forwarded a copy to the building administrator within five school days. 

The CSE, including the parent of the student, reviews existing evaluation information on the student to determine what, if any, existing evaluation information is current and appropriate to meet the requirements for an initial individual evaluation for this student. Document the process to obtain the input of the CSE in the determination of data.  The CSE chairperson immediately sends prior notice to the parent of the student.

• Attach request for consent for initial evaluation. 
• Attach procedural safeguard notice.
• Attach Parent Guide to Special Education.

If parental consent is not received, the CSE: Informs the parent that, upon request, the parent may attend an informal conference with the committee or designated professionals most familiar with the proposed evaluation so the parent may ask questions about the proposed evaluation. If, at this meeting, the parent and the person initiating the referral agree in writing that the referral is not warranted the referral shall be withdrawn. 

 If the parent does not request or attend such a conference, or continues to withhold consent for evaluation for 30 calendar days after the date of receipt of the referral, the school must initiate an impartial hearing to determine if the evaluation should be conducted without parental consent. 

Upon receipt of parental consent, the school conducts the evaluations determined necessary.

Either prior to or at the CSE meeting, the school shares the results of the evaluation with the parent.

The CSE chairperson sends a meeting notice to the parent.

•   Attach procedural safeguard notice 

The CSE conducts a meeting to review evaluation information, determine eligibility and, if appropriate, develop the IEP.

   Include an individual qualified to interpret the instructional implications of the evaluation results in the CSE meeting. 

The CSE sends prior notice of the recommendation to the parent.

•    Provide a copy of the evaluation report and documentation of the determination of eligibility to the parent.  
•    Provide a copy of the IEP to the parent. 

The CSE forwards the recommendation to the board of education.

The board of education provides notice to the parent when it takes action.

Re-evaluations include any individualized assessments, similar to those conducted as part of the initial evaluation of a child, and any new assessments not part of the review of the IEP.

This section is intended to provide a glossary of terms used in the CSE process. While not an exhaustive list, the following may be of assistance, particularly to new Chairpersons.

How will I know if my preschool-age child needs special education?

The Referral

If your child received early intervention services as an infant or toddler up to age three, and may still need special education, your service coordinator will assist you with transition planning and making a referral to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). 

If your preschool-age child (3-5 years old) did not receive early intervention services, but has some delays or lags in development such as difficulty in

talking, moving around, thinking, or learning or is facing physical or

behavioral challenges — you, or professionals who know your child, may make

a referral to the chairperson of your school district's Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) who will assist you in completing the referral process.

The CPSE must include: the parent of the child, a regular education teacher (if the child is or may be participating in the regular education environment), a special education teacher or related service provider, a representative of the

local school district who serves as the chairperson of the CPSE, an individual

who can interpret evaluation results, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise about the child, an additional parent member (unless the

parent(s) of the child request that this person not participate), and a licensed or certified professional from the Department of Health’s Early Intervention

Program (for a child in transition from the Early Intervention Program). A certified or licensed preschool representative from the municipality must be notified of scheduled meetings; however, the CPSE meetings can be held whether or not the municipal representative attends. 

The Evaluation Process

When your child is referred to the CPSE, you will be given a list of agencies approved by the State Education Department to provide preschool special

education evaluations. You will be asked to select one of the approved evaluators, then sign a consent form for your child to be evaluated at no cost to you or your family.  

The CPSE will also give you a copy of the due process procedural safeguards notice. If your child's evaluation is not timely or, if you disagree with the evaluation results or the recommendation of the CPSE, you have the right to ask for an independent evaluation, mediation or an impartial hearing. A copy of the evaluation report, including a summary of the evaluation, will be

provided to you and to other CPSE members. You will be asked to meet with them to talk about the evaluation results. If the CPSE finds your child is not eligible for special education programs and/or services, you will be given the reasons for the decision in writing. 

How will my child receive special education programs and services?

The CPSE Recommendation and the Individual Education Program (IEP)

If your child has a disability that may be affecting his or her learning, the

CPSE will find your child to be an eligible "preschool student with a disability.” The CPSE will also recommend the program or services to meet your child’s individual needs and where they will be provided. If your child is an eligible preschool student with a disability, you and the other CPSE members will

write an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for your child that will list the recommended services to be provided, how often, and for how long. The recommendations will be forwarded to your local school district Board of

Education for approval. Most children with disabilities can receive the special education services they need in settings with their non-disabled peers. They

also should participate in developmentally appropriate activities. The CPSE must consider how to provide the services in the Least Restrictive

Environment (LRE), where your child can learn close to your home with other children of the same age who do not have disabilities. Services may be

provided at an approved or licensed pre-kindergarten or Head Start program, the work-site of a provider, the student's home, a hospital, a State facility or a child care location.