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North Tonawanda City School District

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Child Find & Identifying a Student's Need

How do the district and parents/guardians work together to identify students who will utilize special education services? 

Child Find requires all school districts to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disabilities. This obligation to identify all children who may need special education services exists even if the school is not providing special education services to the child. To receive Special Education, children must meet eligibility guidelines according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This act requires all states to have a “comprehensive Child Find system” to assure that all children who are in need of special education services are located, identified, and referred. 

The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) 
The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) determines special education eligibility for children 3 to 5 years of age. An evaluation can begin at age 2 years 6 months. Children are identified as a Preschool Student with a Disability by meeting eligibility criteria as outlined by the New York State Education Department.  Eligibility is determined by an individual evaluation administered by a multidisciplinary team. If eligible, special education services are provided with a continuum of services from least restrictive to a restrictive setting. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed for each child meeting the eligibility criteria. The child’s program is reviewed at least once a year. There is a 12-month program (summer session) for preschoolers. Eligibility is determined by the CPSE. Not all children are eligible to attend the summer session. 

The North Tonawanda City School District is committed to identifying children before their third birthday to provide early intervention services for three and four-year-olds. If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s development and would like to have him/her screened, please call the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) at 716-807-3563.