For Our Information
With annual reviews coming up and children transitioning from preschool
to school age there is no doubt that every one of us can compile our own
exhaustive list of questions about how to deal with the Board of
Education. The following are some of the questions that most frequently
arise and some guidance on how to answer them. We hope weve covered
your questions but if not feel free to call the TAFKID office at
(718)998-7333 or e-mail us at tafkid@idt.net.
What should I do if my child wakes up on the day of his/her scheduled
evaluations feeling ill?
If your child is not feeling well it may have a negative effect on their
evaluation and the evaluators will not be able to see an accurate
picture of your childs abilities. You should call the CSE first thing
in the morning and let them know that your child us under the weather
and ask to reschedule. It is advisable that you obtain a note from your
doctor stating that your child was ill on that day for your records just
in case there is any problem.
Do I have a right to see my childs evaluations prior to the CSE review?
Yes. When all the evaluations are completed (they usually are by the
time you receive notice of review), you may call or write the district
to request a copy of your childs evaluations. If you need the
evaluations immediately, we suggest calling the district and asking if
you could come by and pick it up. Whether picking up evaluations or
requesting them by mail, you must make this request in writing.
If I am unable to attend the CSE review meeting on the date it was
scheduled, do I have a right to reschedule the meeting? Can I
participate by phone?
If it is not possible for you to attend on the date scheduled, you may
call the CSE and attempt to reschedule. It is not advisable to do this
more than once because it may be perceived by the CSE as "parental
delay". We recommend that you make an attempt to be present at your
childs CSE review meeting. If that is not possible or if the meeting is
about an issue that you and the CSE are in agreement on such as summer
services you may participate in the meeting by phone.
If I disagree with the Board of Eds evaluations can I go out and get
private evaluations?
Yes, a parent always has the right to have their child privately
evaluated. If the CSE has conducted an evaluation and you find that it
does not accurately represent your childs needs you may write a letter
notifying the CSE that you disagree with their evaluation results and
therefore you are having your child privately evaluated and are seeking
to have the costs reimbursed by the Board of Ed. Always send all letters
to the CSE certified or registered return receipt requested and keep a
copy for your files. Or you may hand deliver your letter and have them
give you a copy of it with their time and date stamp on it for your
files. Save all canceled checks and receipts of money you have laid out
for the evaluations. In order to attempt to seek reimbursement you will
have to file for an impartial hearing.
My child has Down syndrome but B"H no health impairments. I would like
to send my child to a mainstream Yeshiva. Can the CSE provide him/her
with a shadow/1:1 para/consultant teacher?
No. At this point in time a child is not entitled to a shadow, pare or
consultant teacher in a Yeshiva. However, if a child requires a health
para or nurse for health related issues, they may be provided with these
services in their Yeshiva.
Can my child receive services for CSE if he/she attends a private
religious school? Can he/she receive services on the site of the
religious school?
Yes. If your child has an IEP mandating services, your child is entitled
to receive those services even if he attends a religious school. Courts
have ruled it permissible to provide services on site at religious
schools but have left it up to the discretion of the local CSEs. At
this point in time most CSEs in New York City have not allowed it.
If my child attends a private school, can he/she receive door to door
transportation?
Yes, if it is included as a recommendation on his/her IEP.
If my child is classified as bilingual, must the CSE place him/her in a
bilingual program?
Yes, if an appropriate bilingual program exists. If there is no
appropriate program, the CSE is permitted to place your child in a
monolingual class with an alternate placement para who speaks your
childs preferred language. If you are in such an alternate placement,
the CSE must send you a Nickerson letter which entitles you to enroll
your child in a school approved by the New York State Education
Department for the education of children with disabling conditions.
If my child is recommended for bilingual services but a bilingual
provider cant be found, can he/she receive service in English without
changing his/her bilingual status?
Yes. File for an impartial hearing to request that the hearing office
order that your child receives the services in English until a bilingual
provider can be found.
If the school tells me that they cannot find a service provider for a
therapy which my child is mandated to receive, how will my child receive
his/her therapy?
If your child is not receiving related services mandated on his/her IEP,
you should receive a Related Services Authorization (RSA) which will
allow you to obtain the services through a private provider that you
select at the expense of the Board of education. Additionally, you will
be entitled to reimbursement for any transportation costs incurred. You
should receive an RSA within approximately the first month of school. If
you have not received your RSA, call the Office of Related and
Contractual Services at (718)935-3580/1/2 and tell them that your child
has not received his/her mandated services. If you dont get a response
in a reasonable time, file for an impartial hearing.
Is there a rule that limits the amount of time my child can spend
traveling on the school bus? What can I do if his/her ride is just too
long?
There is no actual regulation on travel time. Generally, though, for
children traveling within the borough, the travel time should not exceed
1 hour. Travel time between boroughs should not exceed 1 hour and 45
minutes. If your child has special medical concerns necessitating
shortened travel time, you need to obtain a letter of explanation from
your doctor and send it to the CSE.
How can I request that my child received services during the summer if
his/her IEP does not say 12-month program?
Write a letter to the CSE stating that you feel that your child requires
a 12-month school year in order to maintain his/her developmental levels
and prevent regression. If you can obtain a letter of support from your
childs classroom teacher, do so. The letter should preferable be sent
before April if not earlier and this process must be repeated every
year.
If there is a lapse in my childs services due to an error or delay on
the part of the CSE, is my child entitled to compensatory services?
Yes. File for an impartial hearing to request that the hearing office
order compensatory services. You will need to prove that the lapse was
not due to parental delay.
To Contact TAFKID Please Call (718)998-7333 or e-mail At tafkid@idt.net.
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