Special Education Process
Bridget Murphy
Nicole Duffy
Initial Referral for Special Education Services
Students who are suspected of having a disability are referred to a multidisciplinary team called the Committee on Special Education or the Committee on Preschool Education.
Who can refer a student?
A parent, teacher, or administrator can refer a student.
Who should a parent or teacher call to make a referral or start the process?
For school-age students, the parents/guardians or staff member should call the building psychologist of that student. For preschool students please call (516) 992-7480.
Individual Evaluation Process
The Committee arranges for an evaluation of the student’s abilities and needs.
Determining Eligibility for Special Education Services
The Committee meets and makes a determination of the student’s eligibility to receive special education services and programs based on the test and evaluation results.
Who makes up the Committee?
The Committee is made up of the Committee for Special Education (CSE) or Committee for Preschool Education (CPSE) chairperson, the student’s parents, the psychologist, the classroom teacher, school administrators, and relevant professionals, such as speech pathologist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist.
How is the CSE/CPSE meeting scheduled?
The CSE meeting is scheduled after all evaluations are completed and within 60 days of the initial evaluation. A date is scheduled and all professionals and student’s parents are notified.
Individual Education Program (IEP)
If the student is determined to be eligible to receive special education services by the Committee, the Committee develops and implements an appropriate IEP (Individual Educational Plan) based on the evaluation results. This plan is designed to meet the needs of the individual student. Based on the IEP, the Committee must determine the student’s placement, ensuring that the services are provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Placement must be as close as possible to the student’s home, and unless the student’s IEP requires some other arrangement, the student must be educated in the school he or she would have attended if not disabled. The services that a student receives is determined from the testing is based on the continuum of services as indicated.
What is a Section 504 Plan?
A 504 plan refers to a “physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. This can include physical impairments; illnesses or injuries; communicable diseases; and chronic conditions like asthma, allergies, and diabetes. The 504 plan spells out the modifications and accommodations that will be needed for the student to have an opportunity to perform at the same level as their peers and might include wheelchair ramps, blood sugar monitoring, an extra set of textbooks, a peanut-free lunch environment, home instruction or a recorder or note-taking device.
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
Not all students who have disabilities require specialized instruction. For students with disabilities who do require specialized instruction, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) controls the procedural requirements.
For students with disabilities who do not require specialized instruction but need the assurance that they will receive equal access to public education and services, a document called the 504 plan is created to outline the student’s specific requirements. Students who have a 504 plan and do not require specialized instruction will not have an IEP. The 504 plan will be updated annually to ensure that the student is receiving the most effective accommodations for his/her specific circumstances to enable that student-specific modification and accommodations to ensure equal access to the educational environment.
Annual Review/Reevaluation
The IEP is reviewed and, if needed, modified or revised by the Committee at least once a year (annual review). The student has a reevaluation at least once every three years (tri-annual), to review the student’s need for special education programs and services and to revise the IEP, as appropriate. A reevaluation may also occur when conditions warrant or when requested by a parent or teacher.
The process occurs sequentially with each step building on the previous one. In this way, comprehensive information about the student is obtained and considered. Timelines are in place so that delays are avoided. Parents are an integral part of this process, and your involvement is encouraged.
Subscribe for Updates
Please sign up for the Plainedge Now email newsletter. Stay up to date and never miss out!
Follow Us
🎓 We proudly celebrated the graduation of the Plainedge High School Class of 2026, honoring an exceptional group of students as they reached this remarkable milestone!
Valedictorian Leah Muldoon and Salutatorian Khloe Hong delivered inspiring speeches, encouraging their classmates to pursue their passions, remain true to themselves, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with confidence and determination.
Principal Lauren Iocco, Board of Education President Joseph Beyrouty, and Interim Superintendent of Schools Ms. Carol Muscarella offered heartfelt congratulations and shared words of encouragement as the graduates embarked on their next chapter.
As the Class of 2026 begins this exciting new journey, we are confident they will continue to make a positive impact wherever life takes them. No matter where their paths lead, they will always be part of the Plainedge family!
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
#Weareplainedge #plainedgepride #community #classof2026 #together #plainedge
🎓 Congratulations to the Plainedge Middle School Class of 2026! 🎓
Today, we celebrated an incredible milestone as our graduates officially moved up to Plainedge High School. National Junior Honor Society President Vincent Cusumano reflected this remarkable class while encouraging his classmates to embrace the exciting opportunities ahead!
A special thank you to our Middle School Drama Club for their outstanding performance of “Finale” from Frozen Jr., which made the ceremony even more memorable.
The Plainedge Board of Education, administration, faculty, and staff are proud of all that this class has achieved and look forward to seeing the great things they will accomplish in high school and beyond.
To the Class of 2026: Believe in yourselves, continue to work hard, and never stop reaching for your goals. Your future is bright! ✨
If you missed today`s ceremony, you can watch the recording at Plainedge TV Live Stream.
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #MiddleSchoolGraduation #ClassOf2026 🎓❤️🖤
🎓 Congratulations to the 5th-grade students of Eastplain, Charles E. Schwarting, and John H. West Elementary Schools on reaching this important milestone and moving up to 6th grade!
As you prepare to begin your journey at Plainedge Middle School, take pride in all you have accomplished, the friendships you have built, and the knowledge you have gained along the way. Your teachers, families, and the entire Plainedge community are incredibly proud of you and excited to see all that you will achieve in the years ahead!
Embrace this next chapter with confidence, curiosity, and determination! Your future is bright, and your possibilities are endless.
Well done, and congratulations! 🎉
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #community #education #movingup
On behalf of the Board of Education and everyone in Central Administration, we wish you all a Happy Father’s Day!
Juneteenth - Schools will be closed Friday, June 19, 2026 and reopen Monday, June 22, 2026
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride
🎓✨ Our Pre-K students celebrated their Moving Up Ceremony with joyful songs, big smiles, and lots of excitement as they marked this special milestone on their journey to Kindergarten! We are so proud of all they have accomplished and can`t wait to welcome them to Kindergarten in the fall.
Families and community members can watch Plainedge Public Schools` Moving Up and Graduation ceremonies live at plainedgetv.com/live.
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #ClassOf2039 #MovingUpCeremony #PreKGraduation #FutureReady #PlainedgeSchools 🎓📚
🎶❤️ The Charles E. Schwarting Elementary School 5th Grade Choral Students visited their Bristal Buddies for a memorable morning filled with music, laughter, and celebration.
Our talented young performers delighted residents with their graduation song and a selection of contemporary favorites! Residents sang along and shared in the excitement!
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #BristalBuddies #CommunityConnections #MusicMatters #SchwartingElementary 🎵✨
Cheers, applause, and plenty of Plainedge Pride! Matty and Oscar took their final walk to the bus during a memorable clap-out celebration! Surrounded by the love and support of our school community, this clap-out celebration was a beautiful reminder of what makes Plainedge so special.
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #PlainedgeProud #BestBuddies #Community #Education #Family #SpecialEducation
🔔 One last bell.
📚 One last walk through the halls.
🎓 One unforgettable class.
Congratulations to the Plainedge High School Class of 2026! Your Plainedge family is cheering you on every step of the way!
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #ClassOf2026
Creating Our Beautiful World 🌎🎨
This week, our 9:1:3 students partnered with APE Peer Mentors and Best Buddies to bring a special mural project to life! Guided by artist Mr. Dinaro, students worked together to paint two vibrant panels celebrating the beauty, diversity, and wonder of our world.
The project showcased creativity, teamwork, inclusion, and friendship as students and staff collaborated to create a lasting piece of artwork that reflects the spirit of our school community.
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #community #education #together #united #art #ourworld
