CPSE, CSE Meetings and Annual Reviews

As the parent of a special needs child, you are automatically a member of your child’s Committee on Special Education.  You also have the right to designate other members of the committee, which can include your own independent evaluators, treating physicians and psychologists, experts, advocates and attorneys.  The Decisions made at the CPSE/CSE regarding your child’s Individual Education Plan, or IEP, sets the roadmap for their education.

Every special education student is, by law entitled to

• An Educational Evaluation by the school to determine their individual needs
• A Free and Appropriate Public Education
• The Least Restrictive Environment to obtain such education
• An Independent Educational Evaluation at the expense of the School if you disagree with the School’s evaluation
• Reconvening of the CSE annually
• Reconvening of the CSE at the request of the Parents, even if more than annually, if you belief that the CSE is not appropriate or that the School is not implementing your child’s IEP

The decisions made at CPSE and CSE meetings are not final.  If you disagree with the determinations made at such a meeting, you have the right to seek additional meetings or to request a due process hearing before and impartial hearing officer.  At Berger, Fischoff, Shumer, Wexler & Goodman, LLP we understand the challenges of navigating the special education system and are here to guide you at every step.