Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)

  • The Tonawanda City School District is committed to providing all students with a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment possible.  In order to meet the needs of our students with disabilities, students at risk or students needing intervention supports, the district offers alternative programs, supplementary aids and special education services.

    Special Education services and programs are availvable for students of prechool age (3 to 5 years old) and mainly consist of related service supports (Speech, Occupational and/or Physical Therapies, Special Education Itinerant Teaching Services ) and specially designed instruction for students (ages 3-5 years) who are identified by the district Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).

    Preschool eligible students are identified as being age 2.5 years old up to 5 years old (students must not be 5 years old prior to December 1st).  The evaluation process consists minimally of:

    • Social history (completed by the family)
    • Psychological (to measure potential to learn)
    • Physcial (by a medical doctor)
    • Observation in your child's natural setting (daycare or home)

    There are other evaluations that may be completed depending on your concerns with your child:

    • Educational
    • PT
    • Functinal Behavior Assessment (FBA)
    • Speech
    • Vision
    • OT
    • Counseling

    Additional documents ARE necessary to begin the evaluation process:

    • Child's Birth Certificate
    • Copy of Immunization records and physcial
    • Photo Identification of Parent/Guardian
    • Proof of Residency within the boundaries of the Tonawanda City School District

    If you suspect your child of preschool age may be in need for an evaluation, please contact the Pupil Personnel Services office directly to secure evlauations.  Email or fax requests cannot be honored.  To arrange an appointment to register and secure the paperwork for evaluation, contact the PPS Office at 716-213-4601 or 716-694-7684.      

     
     
    EVALUATIONS ARE AT NO COST TO PARENTS, GUARDIANS OR FAMILIES.
  • Referral
    To make a referral to Special Education for your son/daughter:

    Write a letter (not an email) to:
     
    Special Education Office
    100 Hinds Street
    Tonawanda, NY 14150

    The letter should include: 

    1. Your address
    2. Date
    3. Your child's name
    4. An explanation of the difficulties your child is experiencing that are leading to a referral
    5. Your signature

     
    Commissioner's Regulations

    The CSE process is operated in accordance to the Commissioner's Part 200/201 regulations. 
     
     
     

    Child Find Notice

    If your child is disabled or you suspect he/she may be disabled, he or she may be entitled to special education and/or related services without cost to you. A child with a disability is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). If you have questions or wish to refer your child, please contact Amy Edgerton at 694-7684 or aedgerton@tonacsd.org.