The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District must evaluate, with parental consent, and offer a free and appropriate public education to students determined to be disabled who reside in the district. If you believe your child has a disability that requires specialized instruction or special accommodations to benefit from and/or access our programs and services, please contact your child's building principal or the Director of Special Education at (518) 237-0800 x3315 to discuss the process for initiating a referral to the Committee on Special Education or the 504 Team. 

REFERRAL PROCESS
If a student continues to struggle with making the expected gains, even after a variety of instructional techniques have been utilized, referral to the Committee on Special Education may be warranted to determine if he/she qualifies as a Student with a Disability. These referrals can only be made by a parent/guardian, the school psychologist, or the Director of Special Education. However, classroom teachers, physicians, officers of the court, and others can recommend referral to one of the listed parties for consideration.

If a student is determined to have a disability that adversely affects his/her ability to access the general education curriculum, he/she is eligible for a continuum of services that meet individuals’ needs in the Least Restrictive Environment. These include related services such as speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or counseling, Assistive Technology, resource room, Consultant Teacher services, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, and Special Class. Decisions about the appropriateness of these services are made by the Committee on Special Education, which includes the parent/guardian(s) of the student.

If the student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, he/she may be eligible for accommodations based on the duration and severity of the condition and its potential impact. In this case, a 504 Accommodation Plan would be developed to address the student’s needs.

If a parent has questions about a child’s progress, the teacher(s) should be consulted first. Thereafter, if concerns remain, questions can be directed to the respective principal, or the CSE office at (518) 237-0800 x3315.

PARENTS LEGAL RIGHTS
As a parent, you are a vital member of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) in New York State. The CSE/CPSE is responsible for developing recommendations for special education programs and services for your child. You must be given opportunities to participate in the CSE/CPSE discussion and decision-making process about your child’s needs for special education.

PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS
See HERE for information concerning procedural safeguards that are your legal rights under federal and State laws to be informed about and involved in the special education process and to make sure that your child receives a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
See HERE for information on our special education programs and services. 

NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS
Homeschool or Parentally Placed Private School Students- Requests for IEP services: 

Parents/guardians of students who are homeschooled or parentally placed in a private school may request special education services from the school district. To allow sufficient time for the district to review the request and make appropriate arrangements, requests for services should be submitted in writing by June 1 prior to the upcoming school year.

Requests should be addressed to the Special Education Office, Attn: Kate Thibault, and should include:

• Student’s full name and date of birth

• Current educational placement and services (homeschool or private school)

• Parent/guardian name and contact information

• A brief statement requesting special education services