CPSE Parent Voice

You know your child best. Make sure the team hears it.

We're a network of parents and professionals here to help you advocate for your child with confidence, from your first CPSE meeting to the services your child needs.

Know your rights Prepare for a meeting
A CPSE meeting table with the parent's seat highlighted Your child's IEP You Teacher Evaluator CPSE chair Therapist Parent member

Your rights at the table

Under federal and New York law, you are a full member of your child's Committee on Preschool Special Education. These are some of the protections that come with that seat.

You are an equal member of the committee
The CPSE must give you a real chance to take part in every decision about your child's IEP. What you see at home counts.
Written notice before changes
The district must send prior written notice, with its reasons, before it proposes or refuses a change to your child's evaluation, placement, or services.
An independent evaluation
If you disagree with the district's evaluation, you can request an independent educational evaluation at public expense.
Bring people who know your child
You can invite a therapist, doctor, advocate, or anyone with knowledge of your child to the meeting.
Ask for a meeting
You can request a CPSE meeting to review your child's IEP whenever something isn't working.
Mediation and impartial hearings
When you and the district can't agree, you can ask for mediation or file a due process complaint.
Services stay in place during a dispute
While a hearing is pending, your child generally keeps their current services. This is called pendency.

Getting through a CPSE meeting

A little preparation changes how the room listens to you.

  1. Before

    Request every evaluation and report ahead of time. Write your child's needs in your own words and list the services you're asking for.

  2. During

    Take notes, or bring someone to take them. If you disagree, ask that your disagreement be written into the meeting record.

  3. After

    Compare the IEP the district sends with your notes. Send any concerns in writing, dated, to the CPSE chairperson.

The first meeting, I nodded along. The second time I came with a written list, and my son got the aide he needed.
Sample story. Replace with a parent's own words, shared with permission.

Where to get help

Organizations that support New York families through special education.

Meet other parents

You don't have to figure this out alone.

  • Dates to be announced
    Western New York

    Monthly parent meetup

    Bring your questions and your child's paperwork. Meet parents who have been through it.

  • To be announced
    Online

    Workshop: Reading your child's IEP

    A walk through each section of a preschool IEP and what to look for.

Ask a question

Not sure what to ask for, or what a letter from the district means? Send us the question. You do not need an account, and you do not have to give your name.

Ask a question

Follow along

Meeting tips, rights reminders, and stories from parents who have been at the table.