Any NYers? Feeling lost.

[Hwin]

I need to secure related services for my son but I can't find the information about deadlines and how to request it. He was declassified last year so he doesn't even HAVE any services, but I believe that a re-evaluation will prove the need for occupational therapy (at the very least).

 

I had all of this information at one point, but I let my LEAH membership lapse... turns out I was using a lot of their info after all.

[houseofkids&pets]

Your ds can receive related services if he qualifies for some sort of classification. My ds started OT at the ps in March. He was given the classification of Learning Disability and actually qualified for special ed. math support based on the school's test results. However, I had the right to accept/reject the services recommended, so I chose OT only. I don't like the math program our ps is using (bad reviews!!) and ds now gets 1:1 support, so I don't think placing him in a small group would be a wise choice for his needs.

 

I went on the NY State Education website to find out about services for homeschooled students. You can pm me if you want. I am in upstate NY too (Rochester area).

[Hwin]

He was illegally declassified so I am requesting services (even though he isn't getting any right now) but also requesting retesting and a records review. They do not want to provide us with any services, so my concern is not crossing every t or dotting every i and having them give me the old "too bad, so sad."

[houseofkids&pets]

Can you provide more info about how he was illegally declassified?

 

I am familiar with the CSE process since I do have a ds with autism in ps. I homeschool my youngest ds and, as I mentioned in my first post, he met the criteria for a student with a learning disability so we are entitled to services through our school district. The district even offered transportation on the days that my ds has OT, so I am assuming that transportation is something that legally has to be provided.

 

I was told by the ps that there is a federal "Child Find" mandate that states that a district has to assess and provide appropriate services, if warranted, to any homeschooled student. Parents can accept or decline whatever services are recommended. Is your school district saying that they don't have to evaluate your ds??

[Hwin]

I'm sorry; I missed this response.

 

They discharged him without any formal evaluations, as he was finishing up summer services. Yes, he qualified for summer services, because he would have regressed without it, but then didn't qualify in the fall.

 

I am requesting re-testing. I'm thinking maybe there is NOT the same deadline for me, since I'm not actually requesting related services... since he's not getting any?

 

Can you provide more info about how he was illegally declassified?

 

I am familiar with the CSE process since I do have a ds with autism in ps. I homeschool my youngest ds and, as I mentioned in my first post, he met the criteria for a student with a learning disability so we are entitled to services through our school district. The district even offered transportation on the days that my ds has OT, so I am assuming that transportation is something that legally has to be provided.

 

I was told by the ps that there is a federal "Child Find" mandate that states that a district has to assess and provide appropriate services, if warranted, to any homeschooled student. Parents can accept or decline whatever services are recommended. Is your school district saying that they don't have to evaluate your ds??

[houseofkids&pets]

If you formally (in writing) request a CSE evaluation, that starts the time clock for action. Schools don't want to be out of compliance with NYS!

 

Honestly, I can't believe that your ds was discharged without any concrete data (test results, etc.) to show that he no longer requires services. Every year, the ps that DS12 is enrolled in tries to reduce services. I always let them now that that is fine with me....just show me the data collection and test scores to support the changes. They haven't reduced the level of service yet:tongue_smilie:. Unfortunately, it seems to all be focused on budget, and not necessarily student needs.

 

You can find more info about referrals at this link:http://ldanys.org/index.php?s=4&b=11&p=7 Learning Disabilities Assoc. of NYS

 

Also, you can read a lot on the NYS Education website. There is a parent special education guide on there, as well as the Part 200 Regulations, which is what school districts have to legally follow.

[houseofkids&pets]

I just reread your post. It doesn't matter whether or not you are requesting related services since any CSE referral would include evaluations completed by the school psychologist, OT, SLP, PT (if warranted), and a family history. My ds9 was also seen by the reading specialist in the school building where the assessments took place. I would submit the CSE referral request with a description of your son and his needs/your concerns. From there, the school district may decide whether each provider should perform a full assessment, or just a "screening".

 

Like you, I wanted OT services for my ds. In order to do that, we had to go through the full referral process (plus, by submitting it in writing, they have to legally take action in a timely manner). Our CSE chairperson told me that I could not pick and choose which assessments I wanted completed (I didn't feel the psych was necessary since we already had private psych testing done, but the school still wanted results from their own school psychologist). To get services, we had to do the formal CSE referral, then go through the whole process of evaluations by different service providers, have a CSE meeting to discuss results and recommendations, and then I was able to accept/reject whatever they offered to meet his needs.

 

Hope I am not overwhelming or confusing you. I get to wordy. Bascially, I would just submit the referral ASAP to get the ball rolling. Then, wait and see how the district wants to handle all of the assessments.