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
💜Plainedge Schools participated in P.S. I Love You Day across the entire district on Friday, February 14th. Students and staff wore purple to spread mental health awareness.
💜 This year`s theme "A brighter tomorrow begins today." We encourage everyone to spread love not only to the world and others but, most importantly, to yourself. Remembering that you hold the key to something much greater.
💜Thank you to our Special Education Department for bringing attention to this important day across the entire district!
#plainedge #psily #community #love #valentines #awareness #plainedgestrong #weare #plainedgeproud

Dr.Salina had a great time watching and cheering on our amazing high school wrestling athletes today showcasing their talent and making Plainedge proud alongside their families! If you`re looking for some excitement, head over to Cold Spring Harbor High School today and show your support for our athletes! #WeArePlainedge #plainedgeproud #athletics #wrestling #sport #varsity

What an unforgettable evening last night at the 4th Annual Best Buddies Fashion Show! Students were cheered on by a sold-out crowd of 700+ spectators in the PHS auditorium, and many more watching from home via live stream! The show reminds us all of the power of friendship and community. We celebrated inclusivity, confidence, and the beauty of being ourselves. Thank you to everyone who made this night so special.
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #weare #friendship #bestbuddies #plainedge #united

Charles E. Schwarting students spread so much love today with their Bristal Buddies in a heartwarming Valentine`s Day arts and crafts activity. This fun event was a wonderful part of the students` ongoing service-learning project, bringing creativity, joy, and meaningful connections to everyone involved! The students poured their hearts into the crafts, making this special day memorable for their buddies.❤️
#weareplainedge #bristalbuddies #commuity #learning #education #together #united #friends #pride #weare #plainegepride

A huge congratulations to Dr. Salina for being named New York State Superintendent of the Year by the New York State Association for Computers and Technology in Education! This incredible honor recognizes a Superintendent who has not only embraced technology but has used it in outstanding ways to improve education and student learning experience. Dr. Salina’s innovative approach to integrating technology in the classroom is truly inspiring and sets a high standard for educators across the state.
Yesterday, at the Town of Oyster Bay board meeting, Supervisor Saladino and Town of Oyster Bay board members presented Dr. Salina with a citation in recognition of this remarkable achievement.
#WEAREPLAINEDGE #PLAINEDGEPRIDE #EDUCATION #TECHNOLOGY

𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮, 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀.
I am happy and proud to announce that two of our schools, Eastplain Elementary School and Plainedge High School, were designated 2025 New York State Schools of Character. There are 98 state-level Schools of Character, 5 Districts of Character, and 8 International Schools of Character. Only six schools in New York State were on that list, and two of those were Plainedge schools. Eastplain Elementary School and Plainedge High School now join Plainedge Middle School and John H. West Elementary School in this prestigious recognition. Congratulations to Charles E. Schwarting Elementary School for receiving an honorable mention. We have been recognized for our implementation of a comprehensive approach that “equips and empowers staff to reinforce and model a range of positive core values that shape and form the hearts, minds, and choices of our students.” By prioritizing character development alongside academic success, our schools are shaping well-rounded individuals who will excel in all facets of life.
It was apparent to the State School of Character committee that our “L.E.A.D. for P.R.I.D.E.” core values are deeply embedded in our school’s culture and that our schools are truly a caring community focused not only on academic success but character development for all. It was evident that our schools work together with students, parents, and community members to create strong communities focused on character. The committee highlighted these schools as state exemplars for their practices and strategies for developing good character in our students, emphasizing that the contributions of all stakeholders in our school community are key to the success of all Plainedge students.
Congratulations to our entire school community for your dedicated contributions to both education and character development of our students. Your hard work and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the outstanding character of our students.
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #together #education #character #lead #pride #plainedge

Dr. Salina stopped by the Plainedge Perk at John H. West Elementary this morning to see their student-run coffee shop in action! This special initiative provides JHW student council and special education students with the chance to build confidence and develop key skills like teamwork, money management, and customer service. We’re incredibly proud of our students and staff for making this project a reality and embodying our school’s core values of character.
#PlainedgePerk #lead #plainedgepride #weare #plainedgeproud #StudentEmpowerment

Last month, our elementary schools received brand-new cafeteria serving lines! 🍽️✨ Students are now enjoying faster, more efficient meal service! Thank you to our school lunch staff for their amazing work every day! #SchoolUpdates #HealthyEating #StudentSuccess #weareplainedge #plainedgepride #plainedgeproud

Happy Lunar New Year! Schools are closed today, Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and will reopen on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Congratulations to our very own, Mr. White who was one of 21 educators from across Long Island to receive the ASSET Bright Light Award. Mr. White is an elementary STEAM Specialist, a high school CTE teacher who teaches college level video production classes, and one half of the team responsible for creating state of the art planetarium experiences for all grades K-8. He is constantly brainstorming unique, amazing technology enhanced experiences for his students which empower them to make a positive contribution to our world. Mr. White’s boundless energy, creativity, positive attitude and collaborative nature constantly inspire our students, staff and community members. Congratulations Mr. White! #WeArePlainedge
