Preschool Special Education Services for Children Ages 3–4

Welcome to the preschool special education support page for families in the East Quogue community. The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) works closely with families to identify and support preschool-aged children who may need additional services to help them learn, communicate, socialize, and grow.

The CPSE process is designed for children ages 3–4 who may have developmental delays or disabilities affecting learning, speech and language, physical development, behavior, or social-emotional growth. Services are provided at no cost to families and are tailored to meet each child’s individual needs.

Children may be eligible for support in areas including:

• Speech and language development
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Special education instruction
• Social and emotional development
• Behavioral supports
• Classroom support services

The East Quogue Union Free School District provides a continuum of developmentally appropriate special education programs and related services for preschool and school-aged children. The district’s CPSE team collaborates with parents, teachers, therapists, and service providers to ensure students receive support in the least restrictive environment appropriate for their needs.

What Is CPSE?

The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) is a multidisciplinary team that reviews evaluations and determines eligibility for preschool special education services under New York State Education Law and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The CPSE team may include:

• Parents or guardians
• A school district representative
• Special education professionals
• Evaluators or therapists
• Related service providers
• Additional individuals invited by the family

Together, the team develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines the services and supports recommended for the child.

Signs a Child May Benefit From Services

A preschool child may benefit from an evaluation if they experience difficulty with:

• Speaking or understanding language
• Following directions
• Social interaction with peers
• Play skills
• Fine or gross motor development
• Attention, behavior, or emotional regulation
• Learning age-appropriate skills
• Sensory processing

Parents who have concerns about their child’s development are encouraged to contact the district to discuss the evaluation process.

How the CPSE Process Works

1. Referral – A parent, teacher, doctor, or caregiver may refer a child to CPSE.
2. Evaluation – The child receives a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine strengths and needs.
3. CPSE Meeting – The committee reviews evaluation results and determines eligibility.
4. IEP Development – If eligible, an Individualized Education Program is created.
5. Services Begin – Services are provided in an approved preschool setting, therapy location, or other appropriate environment.

Family Partnership

We believe families are essential partners in every child’s educational journey. Our goal is to provide a supportive, inclusive, and nurturing environment where young learners can develop confidence, independence, and readiness for future school success.

Contact Information

For additional information regarding preschool special education services or the CPSE referral process, please contact:

East Quogue Union Free School District

6 Central Avenue
East Quogue, NY 11942

Phone: (631) 653-5210
Student Services Office: Ext. 1740

Helpful Resources

• New York State Parent Guide to Special Education
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• New York State Procedural Safeguards Notice

Committee on Special Education (CSE)

Special Education Services for School-Age Students

Welcome to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) support page for families in the East Quogue community. The CSE works collaboratively with parents, teachers, and specialists to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate educational programs and related services that support academic, social, emotional, and developmental success.

The Committee on Special Education serves school-age students, generally ages 5–21, who may require specialized instruction or related services due to a disability that impacts educational performance. Services are provided in accordance with New York State Education Law and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The East Quogue Union Free School District is committed to providing inclusive, supportive, and individualized educational opportunities that help all students achieve their fullest potential.

What Is CSE?

The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is a multidisciplinary team responsible for:

• Reviewing evaluations and educational data
• Determining eligibility for special education services
• Developing and reviewing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Recommending programs, accommodations, modifications, and related services
• Monitoring student progress and educational needs

The CSE team may include:

• Parents or guardians
• General education teachers
• Special education teachers
• School psychologists
• Related service providers
• District representatives
• Additional individuals invited by the family who have knowledge of the child

Together, the team develops an educational plan designed to support each student’s individual strengths and needs.

Areas of Support

Students eligible for special education services may receive support in areas including:

• Academic instruction
• Reading and mathematics intervention
• Speech and language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Counseling services
• Behavioral support
• Social-emotional development
• Assistive technology
• Classroom accommodations and modifications

Services are designed to help students access the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment appropriate for their needs.

Referral and Evaluation Process

A student may be referred to the Committee on Special Education by:

• Parents or guardians
• Teachers or school staff
• Physicians or outside providers
• School administrators

Once a referral is received, the district may conduct evaluations to better understand the student’s strengths and educational needs. Evaluations may include:

• Educational assessments
• Psychological evaluations
• Speech and language evaluations
• Occupational or physical therapy evaluations
• Behavioral assessments
• Classroom observations

Following the evaluation process, the CSE team meets to review the results and determine eligibility for services.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

If a student is found eligible for special education services, the Committee develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP outlines:

• Present levels of performance
• Annual goals
• Recommended services and supports
• Accommodations and modifications
• Testing accommodations
• Program recommendations

The IEP is reviewed annually and may be updated as student needs change.

Family Partnership

Families play a vital role in the special education process. The East Quogue School District values strong communication and collaboration with parents to ensure students receive meaningful support and opportunities for success both in school and beyond.