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Referral ProcessIf you are concerned about your child’s development and you are interested in a preschool special education evaluation, you can write a letter to your local CPSE. This letter is called an “initial referral” and it must be made in writing. In the referral, you should:
- Say that you are requesting a preschool special education evaluation;
- Provide your child’s full, legal name and date of birth;
- Describe any specific areas of concern about your child’s development;
- List any services that your child has received in the past or is currently receiving;
- Provide your full contact information, including your name, an address, and a telephone number where the CPSE can reach you
- State your preferred language, if it isn’t English.
- If your child is currently receiving EI services, you can ask your EI service coordinator to help you write this letter.
You may provide the referral to your CPSE in person, by fax, by mail, or email.The CPSE address is:
RCSD Special Education Department – CPSE
820 Chili Avenue
Rochester, NY 14611
Phone: (585)328-5272
Fax (585)464-6197
Email: CPSEReferral@rcsdk12.org
Next Steps: Upon receipt of the referral, within 10 days, the Preschool Special Education Department will establish contact with you to:
- Verify residency within the City of Rochester. This is completed through registration with the RCSD. This is required by NY State Education Law, and is completed simultaneous to the referral to the Committee on Preschool Special Education. While the RCSD has several programs available for 3 and 4 year-olds, you are not required to attend an RCSD class to complete this verification. For assistance, please visit: www.rocprek.org or Call Pre-K Registration Hotline 585-262-8140
- Validate age eligibility
- Determine the native language or mode of communication of child and parent
- Obtain any additional information regarding your child’s development and your concerns
- Explain the CPSE process
- Mail a referral packet to you, which includes:
- A notice the referral was received
- A list of evaluation sites
- A consent for initial evaluation
- Information about your rights
- Monroe County and RCSD Medicaid Consent
- A release of information
Parent Consent
If you have concerns about providing consent, you can talk to the Committee chairperson.
If you, as a parent of a preschool child, do not provide consent for the evaluation, the district will not take any further action on the referral.