As of January 2, new NYS regulations are in effect concerning the participation of Parent Members at CSE meetings.  Previously a Parent Member was required at all full CSE meetings (CSE's for initial eligibility determinations and other limited situations), unless the parent "opted out" by waiving their right to a Parent Member. Under the new regulations a parent must "opt in" is a Parent Member is desired to participate in a full CSE.  A Parent Member will NOT be provided for a full CSE or a subCSE unless requested by the parent at least 72 hours in advance.   

Going forward, when you receive notice of an upcoming CSE committee or subcommittee meeting, it will inform you of your right to request, in writing, a Parent Member at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.  The Parent Member has received training in the CSE process, and, through experience serving on CSEs in the district, is informed as to programs and services available in the district.  Also, as a fellow parent, the Parent Member is aware of the parent's perspective with regard to the need for ongoing home/school communication and other facets of parenting a student who is classified to receive services.   

A Parent Member can be particularly helpful at a time of change, such as a change in program or setting, an increase or decrease in service, or a move to a new school building.  Your request should be made as early as possible to give the Special Ed office time to secure the commitment of a Parent Member, as all are volunteers.   

There will be no change in the Parent Member requirements at the CPSE level and a Parent Member is still required at all those meetings.   

This information is believed to be accurate but is not intended as legal advice.  

Click here to see the NY State Education Department's Advisory memo. 

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Parent Member Training  

If you are the parent of a child classified to receive special education or have been within 3 years, you are eligible for Parent Member Training. Training in our region will take place: 

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

9:15 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development

Cedarwood Hall, 1st Floor Board Room

Valhalla, NY 10595

Directions: http://www.hvsepc.org/Directions.html

To register: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/parentmemberfall2012

Space is limited! Register today!!

Questions? Email hvsepc@wihd.org or call (914) 493-7665

Please save the evening of Wednesday, March 6th from  

7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Mamaroneck High School McLain Auditorium (please note this is a change from the school calendar) for the annual Building Bridges Speaker.  This year the speaker will be David Flink, who has dyslexia and ADHD, and is the co-founder/chief empowerment officer of Eye to Eye, a national mentoring movement for different thinkers.  Dr. Shaps will introduce the event and MHS high school students will also participate.  This event is free to the public and parents are encouraged to bring their children in grade 4 and up.