- Department Overview
- Preschool Children with Disabilities: Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
- Committee on Special Education (CSE)
- IEP
- Parent Feedback
- Popular Links & Resources
- Colonie Community Connection Program
Department Overview
The South Colonie Central School District is responsible for providing special education services to all resident students who qualify for such supports. These services are coordinated by the district’s Pupil Services Department, which encompasses the district’s Committees for Special Education at the preschool, elementary and secondary levels. The Pupil Services Office also oversees the district’s health (nurses), counseling and mental health (social workers and school psychologists) services for all resident students.
Preschool Children with Disabilities: Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
If your child is not yet school age, you may be eligible to receive special education services through the South Colonie Central School District. The district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) is responsible for ensuring that parents are aware of the opportunities available for evaluation of children 3 through 5 years old who are suspected of having a disability.
A continuum of special education and related services are made available to District preschool students with disabilities in programs located in private settings, typical preschool programs or at home.
The committee consists of representatives from preschool special education agencies, county administrators, parents and the CPSE chairperson. All recommendations for services are made to the Board of Education. If you have concerns about your child’s development, or would like more information, call (518) 869-6759.
Committee on Special Education (CSE)
The Committee on Special Education (CSE) in South Colonie School District works to ensure that students with disabilities (Ages 5-21) are provided with special education services in the least restrictive environment with access to the general education curriculum.
The District offers a variety of special education programs and supports along the continuum of services. The CSE must then decide on an appropriate program or placement for the student and the need for related services (i.e. occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, counseling, etc.) if necessary.
Pursuant to the regulations of the State Commissioner of Education, the CSE makes recommendations to the Board of Education on the needs of those students referred. Programs and services provided by the District may vary year to year based on the needs of the current District population.
IEP Plan
The Committee on Special Education must develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for all students who are eligible for special education services. In developing the IEP, the committee considers evaluations, student strengths, concerns of the parent and, where appropriate, student performance on state and district assessments. An IEP documents the following: present level of performance; how the student’s disability impacts his/her participation in the general curriculum; classification of the disability; annual goals; recommended programs and services; whether or not the student will participate in state or alternate assessments; a list of any alternative accommodations; a list of any assistive technology devices; and transitional goals at the appropriate time.