Special Education

South Orangetown Central School District is committed to supporting every student in achieving their fullest potential. Special education is integrated into each of the district’s four schools, with a strong focus on placing students with special needs in the least restrictive environment required for them to be successful. Within each school, a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and broad continuum of instructional and related services options support student growth. We work closely with families to build the strong home/school partnerships needed to help students succeed to their fullest potential.

If your child is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The first step is to contact your child’s teacher or school counselor.

View answers to frequently-asked questions regarding special education

Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) & Committee on Special Education (CSE)

In accordance with state law, each Board of Education must appoint a CPSE/CSE to assist it in meeting its responsibilities to students with disabilities. The membership may include the parents of the student, a regular education teacher, a special education teacher or related service provider, a school psychologist, an additional parent member, and a representative of the school district.

A student suspected of having a disability shall be referred in writing to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) or the Committee on Special Education (CSE). A parent, teacher or administrator may refer a student to the CPSE or CSE for an evaluation. Referrals should be initiated in writing to the school counselor, school principal or the Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Karen Tesik, Ed.D.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view forms posted below in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) and may be downloaded free from the Adobe website. Unable to access the forms? Contact Thomas Colgan for CPSE (tcolgan@socsd.org / (845) 680-1057) or Lori Graham for CSE (lgraham@socsd.org / (845) 680-1024).

Download the Student Health Examination Form

Download the Developmental-Social History Form

Download the Developmental-Social History Update Form