Manhasset Preschool

Preschool refers to students ages three through five years old. If the student received early intervention services as an infant or toddler up to age three, and continues to need special education services, your service coordinator will assist you with transition planning and making a referral to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).

If the preschool-age student (3-5 years old) did not receive early intervention services, but has some delays in development such as difficulty speaking or learning or is facing physical or behavioral challenges, you may make a referral to the chairperson of the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) who will assist you in completing the referral and evaluation process.

If you are zoned for Munsey Park Elementary School, you will contact school psychologist, Mrs. Kim Marie Jappell at (516) 267-7426; kim-marie_jappell@manhassetschools.org.

If you are zoned for Shelter Rock Elementary School, you will contact school psychologist, Mrs. Anne Soldano at (516) 267-7459; anne_soldano@manhassetschools.org.

For more information on the CPSE referral and evaluation process, please refer to Resources-IEP Information-CPSE Meeting Preparation.

Once you have completed the evaluation process, the CPSE will meet and make a recommendation. If it is determined that the student has a disability that may be affecting his or her learning, the CPSE will find him or her to be an eligible “preschool student with a disability.” The CPSE sets measurable annual goals for the student and recommends the program or services to meet the student’s individual needs, where they will be provided, how often and for how long in their Individual Education Program (IEP). The recommendations will be forwarded to the Manhasset Board of Education for approval.

Many preschool students with disabilities can receive the special education services they need in settings with their nondisabled peers in a local preschool environment where they are able to participate in developmentally appropriate activities. The CPSE must consider how to provide the services in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

An eligible student may receive one or more of the following special education programs and/or services recommended by the CPSE including, but not limited to:

Speech Therapy (ST)
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Physical Therapy (PT)
Assistive technology
Parent Training
Counseling

Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) – a special education teacher works with a child in a setting recommended by the CPSE.

Special Class in an Integrated Setting – a class with preschool students with and without disabilities.

Center-Based Special Class – a class with only children with disabilities in a therapeutic environment.

Both Special Class settings involve an eligible student requiring a more restrictive environment than a typical preschool can provide. It this is the recommendation of the CPSE, they will have a list of approved schools and providers for the parent to review. The facilities often offer tours. Parents should feel free to contact members of the PASE Board with any questions regarding this process.