The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) / Committee on Special Education
(CSE) is a program that provides services to children from 3-5 years of age, who
have, or are at risk of having, a developmental disability.
Services are provided at no cost to the family of eligible children. Our CPSE/CSE
programs are funded and regulated by the NYS Department of Health. TheraCare's CPSE/CSE
programs offer a full array of evaluations and services designed to maximize the
full potential of each child. Parents and family members are encouraged to participate
in partnership with the intervention team to enhance the child's development.
How do I refer my child for an evaluation?
Contact your school district's Special Education department. Explain your specific
concerns ie: communication/speech, cognitive, fine motor, gross motor, socialization.
School District personnel will then provide you with a list of agencies that can
provide evaluations. Your school district will require that you provide them with
certain paperwork to begin the evaluation process. Upon receipt of the paperwork,
you will need to choose an evaluation provider. The school district will contact
the provider who will then contact you to schedule evaluations.
What can I expect during the evaluation process?
The evaluation will be completed within the home with family members present and
available to provide background information as well as strengths and needs they
see in their child. The evaluation is very child friendly. The standardized testing
will be approached in a play based manner as opposed to a work approach. After the
evaluation is complete, the evaluator (s) will provide feedback to the family regarding
impressions of the child's strengths and challenges. Evaluators are not able to
state whether the child is eligible or not at this time, they will need to determine
eligibility based on the results of the testing. Once the evaluation is complete,
you will receive a written evaluation including test results. These reports are
also sent to the school district who will then schedule a meeting to discuss eligibility.
What can I expect at a CPSE/CSE meeting?
The family member(s), CPSE/CSE chairperson, evaluators, parent member, regular education
teacher, special education/service provider, and county representative will be present
to discuss the results of the evaluations. If eligible, an appropriate level and
frequency of service will be discussed.
How can I access TheraCare's CSE/CPSE Services?
Please call 1-866-829-2001, see our Office Locations or fill out our Contact Form.
Note: CPSE is Available in New York State only.