Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

Hi everybody

We just had 1st CPSE for DS (he is turning 3 y/o). SD sounds nice at meeting but the truth is they are only talking. Here it is: they gave us 3 choices---1. IE group develop program (but IE coordinator won't agree and which is filled) 2. Community school with SEIT (which I am afraid not gonna work out cause they only give limited hoursSEIT and regular teacher can't handle DS, what if anything happen at school?). 3. CPSE school (but I find out they don't even wanna send out the package for tours and screening and keep push us to keep DS in IE). What should I do or do we need attorney? We feel so helpless and the next CPSE is coming in 2+ wks.

Thanks for any advice

Message edited 12/14/2011 8:43:27 AM.

Re: Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

Call Long Island Advocates they are wonderful and free, they'll steer you in the right direction. Fight and appeal for what is right for your child!! GL

Re: Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

When is he turning 3? I don't know where you live, but if you are on LI and he's turning 3 after December 31st, I would keep him in EI. EI is more generous with services and they should be able to find you a school program as well.

The challenge with transitioning now is that it is difficult to find a school program at this time of year. Most places are full and don't lose kids mid-year. Whether he is in EI or CPSE, it's possible they could get him into a half day program, but a full day program is probably not possible at this time of the year.

You can also call the schools and tour them without the permission of the school district. I went and looked at the schools I was considering before our first CPSE meeting, so I would have some idea of where I wanted his packet sent. Some of the schools were very honest with me during the tours about what they had available and the chances of getting in there. Some of the social workers also gave me really great information about the process in general, even though they knew there was little to no chance DS would get into their program. I think it's worth looking at the schools before the meeting, just to see what is out there.

Re: Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

why is the coordinator against this one school? Have you looked into any schools? Look at as many as you can, and you make the choice at what you want.
If you want your child in a school, let them know you will have a lawyer at the next meeting. Tell that to the coordinator...you will see how fast they change their mind. DONT let them walk over you. You are the parent, and this is your child.


ditto to what dpli said!!!!!

Re: Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

When does your DS turn 3? My DD turns 3 in May and we are keeping her in EI until they "kick her out" on Aug. 31st of next year.
I'll be honest, if she was walking (she's not yet, she has Down Syndrome and was born preemie), I'd probably put her in a seperation class (EI), like I did with DS, but, we're holding off until Sept. and continuing with home services. We go to a PT group and we are also joining a Mommy & Me, so, she's getting all her socialization in as well.

DS started at 27 months (EI class) and then transitioned to pre-k, same school and he will be graduating in June ( ). (we LOVE his school)

Anyway, I agree with everything posted above. YOU are the parent. Speak up and tell them that *THIS* is what you want!
Why the coordinator is against a class is beyond me. I thought they pushed for socialization.

Re: Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

Thanks everybody and I will definately try the advocacy and hopefully DS an get the right services in time. EI is really more generous cause they even helped DS's feeding issues. But the only problem is they don't have a lot of EI school (group programs) and for sure they all filled at this time of the year. DS needs more social activites to help with his behaviors. That's why I feel so helpless. By the way, has anyone has the same experience? Or can I keep EI even I already try to find right CPSE schools and can't get in in time?

Thanks for any suggestion

Re: Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

Are you on LI? I think most, if not all of the special ed preschools in this area have EI classes and CPSE classes. If you are trying to get a spot in a class, at this time of year, I think it will be tough, whether you are in EI or CPSE.

We went through the whole process of CPSE and after the meeting and screenings at a couple of schools, we decided to keep him in EI. Just because you had the CPSE meeting, it doesn't mean you must transition now, unless he will turn 3 before the end of this month.

Re: Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

Yes, I live LI, too. I'd love to keep in IE(they are really nice and not follow school calendar which is great) if they can offer something more for social and group program. DS has some progress in terms of PT, OT, ST even feeding (anything one on one) but his social skills are poor. And his behavior really interupt his learning. Does anybody know any good attorney or advocate Besides LI Advocate (since they are really busy at this time of the year)??

Thanks for any information

Message edited 12/16/2011 4:24:13 PM.

Re: Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

Hi Everybody..Happy New Year!!

I can't beleive it's already 2012. Yes, DS is turning 3 in this April. Does anyone know about DDI's EI programs (with and without diagnosis?). And do you need Dignosis to get in group program?

Thank you

Re: Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

Re: Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

I think DPLI gave you some great advice. I would keep DC in EI as long as you can, and if he is turning 3 in April, he still qualifies. The other issue with CPSE is that they follow the school calendar, so unless they can prove regression will occur, services are often not offered over the summer months. In the meantime, you can tour schools and decide where you would like him to go in the Fall.

Are you working? If not, I would try Mommy & Me, library classes, music classes (if DC will tolerate them) and the like so there is some socialization. Set up playdates as much as possible. There are some partial separation classes which might be ideal, DC will learn to be without you for short periods of time. Some of the agencies have social skills groups for children 3 and up--I know Kidz Therapy offers one, though I don't know if that would be convenient for you at all.

I would want more info about why the SD doesn't want you to pursue certain avenues.

Message edited 1/3/2012 9:34:20 AM.

Re: Help! feel so frustrated after CPSE

Where are you located. There are wonderful EI groups held at New York Therapy Placement Services, Inc. center base location. They are a fantastic organization and have been in business for over 22 years. You can contact Bernice at NYTKids @ (631) 473-4284 and also visit their website @
www.nytps.com. Good Luck!