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Preschool Referrals

If a child received early intervention services as at birth or anytime up to 23 months old and may still need services, the family's service coordinator will assist with the transition and make a referral to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) at the Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District.

Preschool-aged children three to five years old not receiving early intervention services where a family, doctor or other caretaker believe there may be a developmental delay in speech, movement, cognitive ability (thinking or learning), or has physical or behavioral challenges can be referred to the chairperson of the school district's Committee on Preschool Special Education, who will assist in completing the referral process. 

An email or a written referral can be sent to Andrea Eldridge, Director of Special Programs and Services, at 1554 State Route 488, Clifton Springs, NY 14432.

Parent Consent

The Office of Special Programs and Services will send a packet of information. Those wanting an evaluation should sign a consent form, fill out the paperwork and return to the office.

Evaluation Process

A list of approved preschool evaluation sites will be included in the packet from the Office of Special Programs and Services. Families will need to return this form, along with the consent form, indicating a choice of the evaluator.

Evaluations can take place at the evaluator’s site. Portions of an evaluation can be conducted in the family's home or child’s primary day location (preschool or babysitter’s). These details can be discussed while working out the best possible plan for a child's evaluation by the chosen evaluator.

The Committee on Preschool Special Education will also provide a copy of the due process procedural safeguards notice, a lengthy document of rules and regulations. Families can set up a time with the Director of Special Programs and Services to discuss any questions regarding the notice.

A copy of the evaluation report along with a summary of the evaluation will be provided for families and members of the Committee on Preschool Special Education. A parent or legal guardian will be asked to meet to discuss the results.

Families will be given written notice after the meeting if a child is not eligible for special education programs or services as determined by the Committee on Preschool Specials Education.

CPSE Meeting

The Committee on Preschool Special Education creates educational plans for children who qualify for services after standardized testing and observation of special needs. The Committee on Preschool Special Education determines if a child is eligible for services based on an evaluation of the child. The Committee on Preschool Special Education may recommend programs and services to meet a child’s individual needs, where they will be provided, how often, and for how long.

Recommendations are made to the Board of Education for approval.

The Committee on Preschool Special Education must consider how to provide services in the Least Restrictive Environment, where a child can learn close to home and with other children of the same age who do not have disabilities. Services may be provided at an approved or licensed prekindergarten or Head Start Program, the worksite of a provider, the student’s home, a hospital, a state facility or child care location.

CPSE Members

  • CPSE Chairperson

  • Parent

  • Evaluation team/Early intervention

  • Ontario/Wayne County representative

  • A special education teacher from the District

  • A general education teacher from the District

  • A speech-language pathologist or other-related service provider