Guidance on all EI, CPSE and CSE* issues, including your rights, available programs/services, and education and/or behavioral planning.
Here are some ways we can help you:
- Review your child's evaluations and provide recommendations
- Identify the areas of concern and the appropriate elements to be included in your child's individualized education
- Accompany you to meetings as a special education consultant
- Help educate parents on EI, CPSE and CSE processes, guidelines and legal rights
- Plan/recommend/review IFSP and IEP goals and strategies
- Provide independent point-of-view
– Determine if prior testing was valid and evaluators' recommendations are on target and/or suggest additional evaluations/reports that will help parents obtain the best services/school
- Educate and coach parents on their role at the EI, CPSE or CSE Meeting to help you become the best advocate for the child
- Develop strategies for obtaining best services/school for your child
- Create "Blueprint" for IFSP or IEP to use in meetings
- Help parents communicate most effectively with EI and CPSE Officials
* see below for definitions of terms
Early Intervention (0-3 years)
We provide in-depth assistance during this critical phase to help parents seek and receive the services their child needs from the Department of Health's EI Program. We develop strategies for your child and implement them by working directly with the EI Coordinator and the service providers. We also plan for your chilld's transition from EI to CPSE (Committee on Pre-School Special Education) and prepare you for the CPSE meeting -- a critical step in the process.
Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE: 3-5 years)
When your child turns three, services are provided through your local school district's CPSE Director. There is no service coordinator provided during these stages and our help is even more critical. We represent your child's best interests in all phases of the process -- one that is even more confusing and intimidating than EI. During these extremely important stages, we will help you obtain the best placement and/or services for your child.
Committee on Special Education (CSE: 5-18 years)
When a child enters elementary school, your continue to work with your school district. However, the important people now shift from the administrators to the teachers. If your child is having difficulty in school, the teacher is the first one to realize it. In some districts the teacher will refer a child for special education or conversely recommend a child enter a general education classroom. In other districts, it is really up the parents to take that action. Even in the best districts, however, it is very difficult to understand what is happening and how to handle the process. We will work with you on meeting your child's education needs by assisting you with the entire process.
Guidance Services
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