CPSE Updated Information for Families

April 3, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope this email finds you all healthy and well, and that you will remain so. We are reaching out to provide you with important information regarding CPSE services and evaluation timelines during these unprecedented and challenging times.

On March 27, 2020, the New York State Education Department released updated guidance regarding the provision of services for special education students. This guidance, along with earlier guidance provided by the United States Department of Education, supported the use of teleintervention services (also referred to as "virtual learning", "teletherapy" and "teleservices") as an alternate means of delivering educational services during COVID-19-related school closures. The Chappaqua Central School District will support the use of teleintervention services for CPSE students as a means to continue to meet the needs of these students with disabilities. CPSE SEIT and CPSE related service provider(s) will be seeking parental consent to initiate teleintervention services. IEP's do not need to be amended to implement teleintervention services for preschool services during the COVID-19 school closure. Any preschool Special Class (SC) and Special Class in an Integrated Setting (SCIS) must follow the direction of their licensing agencies. The District has also been informed by the Assistant Commissioner of the Westchester Department County of Health that teleintervention services will be available during what had been previously scheduled as the District's spring break.

If your son or daughter has been recommended for an evaluation which requires a face-to-face assessment or observation, the evaluation will be delayed until school reopens. Evaluations and re-evaluations that do not require face-to-face assessments or observations may take place while schools are closed, so long as a student's parent or legal guardian consents to the re-evaluation or evaluation.

As we receive additional guidance during these unprecedented times, we will continue to be in communication.

Sincerely,

Kristie Evers
Director of Special Education and Section 504 Services

Dr. Heidi McCarthy
Director of Pupil Personnel Services