Special education in the Elmira City School District is designed to provide specially designed services and programs that meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Our goal is to provide services to students in the least restrictive environment, whether that is in an inclusive setting in a general education classroom or in a self-contained or BOCES program. Support services that are essential to assist students with disabilities in education settings are also available to eligible students.
The Committee on Special Education makes recommendations about appropriate special education services and programs for students with disabilities. The committee must ensure that each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) enables him or her to progress as far as possible in the general education curriculum. Parents and teachers provide valuable information to assist the committee in making decisions about a child's strengths, appropriate programs and services, and placement to meet the child's unique needs.
If a child is referred to special education, his or her parent automatically becomes a member of the CSE.
If you suspect your child has a disability, please contact your building principal to discuss the process of making a CSE referral.
For more information about special education programs, please contact Joyce Carr, Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services, at 735-3082.
A training for parents interested in becoming parent members on the Committee on Special Education will be held the afternoon of February 13 at the GST BOCES Bush Campus.
This workshop is designed to give parents of students with disabilities an understanding of the special education process and the role of the parent member on the CSE/CPSE. Topics will include the roles and responsibilities of the CSE/CPSE members, developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and services for children with special needs.
To register, call Joyce Carr at 735-3082.
The Elmira school district is recruiting parents of students with disabilities who live in the school district to serve as representatives on the Committee on Special Education.
Parent reps attend CSE meetings and help other parents understand the proceedings and services being discussed or offered. This is an excellent opportunity to help parents who are new to the CSE process.
If you are interested in volunteering as a parent rep, please call 735-3082.