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Committee on Special Education

Address: 1554 Route 488, Clifton Springs, NY 14432, (315) 548-6440 

Prior To A Referral

A parent’s first line of academic or behavioral concerns at school should be the current teachers and support staff of the child. By working together, families and the staff at the school can help a child have a successful school year.

If a school-aged child is having difficulties in school, first talk to his or her teacher. Request that a building Instructional Support Team (IST) meeting be held on the child’s behalf. This request can be made to a building principal, a counselor or the teacher. Also, request attendance at this meeting to become familiar with the building team that can best assist in making decisions about the action plan to help the child improve academically or behaviorally.

Psychological or counseling services, speech or language improvement services curriculum, instructional modifications or Response to Intervention Services in the areas of reading and mathematics, and other building-level services can be shared with families during this meeting.

If issues remain after a regular series of Instructional Support Team (IST) meetings and instructional interventions, the team will assist in the processing of a request for a referral to the Committee on Special Education.

A request for a referral to the Committee on Special Education can be made if families or a doctor suspect that a child may have a disability, which affects learning. Contact Andrea Eldridge, Director of Special Programs and Services, in writing or by phone using the contact information above to make such a request.

What Is A Referral For Special Education? 

A referral is a written statement asking that the school district evaluate a child to determine the needs for special education services. This written statement should be addressed to Andrea Eldridge, the chairperson of the school district's committee, or the building principal at the child's school. The referral should be specific to the area of need and will result in the parent or legal guardian agreeing to have the child tested by the district to determine the need for special education services.

A referral packet will need to be completed and returned to the district's Office of Special Programs and Services after a request for a referral has been made. A New York Parent’s Guide to Special Education for Children Ages 3-21 as well as a Procedural Safeguards Notice will be included in the packet.

The Office of Special Programs and Services will proceed with a 60-day timeline for evaluation upon the receipt of the Consent to Test and Social History. Any further steps in this process will be clearly explained if you call the Office of Special Programs and Services.

For more information, visit the state Office on Special Education.