Preschool Education

• If your child receives Early Intervention services (up to age 3), and continues to need special education services, your service coordinator may assist you with a transition planning conference.
• If a preschool age child (2 1/2 – 5 years old) has some delays in development in language skills, fine or gross motor skills, cognitive skills or is facing physical or behavioral challenges, the parent or a professional who knows the child may make a referral to the school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education.

The first step is for the parent to contact the Pupil Personnel Department office at (845)782-8678 ext 52350 to make an appointment to begin the referral process.

• Psychological Evaluation: to measure a child’s abilities and to describe his/her developmental, learning, behavioral and other personality characteristics.

• Social History: a parent interview for the purpose of obtaining background information on family history, including medical and birth histories.

• Physical Examination: information from a child’s physician based on an examination completed within the past year or a physical examination conducted as part of the evaluation.

• Additional areas that may be evaluated as needed:

  • Speech and language

  • Physical therapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • Hearing

  • Educational abilities

  • Vision

Members of the

• The parent(s) of the child

• A general education teacher, if the child is attending a preschool program

• A special education teacher

• The Chairperson of the Committee on Preschool Special Education, who can explain the district’s curriculum and special education options

• An individual who can interpret the results of the evaluation, typically a school psychologist

• The committee may also include individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, as well as a licensed representative of the municipality.

There are a number of factors which contribute to a child’s eligibility for preschool services. Parents may wish to consult the New York State Parents’ Guide to Special Education, or the New York State site devoted to Policies concerning Preschool Special Education.
For more information, please contact Pupil Personnel Services Department.