Special Education

The Mayfield Central School District is responsible for providing special education services to all resident students who qualify for such supports. These services are coordinated by the district’s Committee on Special Education/Preschool Special Education.

Mayfield Special Education Philosophy

Our District is committed to the following principles for special education services and programs. As educators working together, we can help support these principles in our work with our students and staff.

• We provide special education services that meet the individual needs of the child, are developmentally appropriate, and are strength-based. These services are planned in collaboration with all the child-serving systems involved in the child’s life and are provided in a supportive learning environment in the least restrictive setting.
• We recognize that the child’s family is the primary support system for the child and participates in all stages of the decision-making and planning process.
• We recognize and respect the behavior, ideas, attitudes, values, beliefs, customs, language, rituals, ceremonies, and practices characteristic of the child’s and family’s ethnic group.
• We will bring special education expertise to the student in the general education learning environment to the greatest extent possible.
• All special education instruction will be based on the New York State Common Core learning standards.
• Student data will be used to inform and improve instruction.
• Related services provided to special education students will be educationally relevant, evidence-based, and will support the students’ learning. These services will be provided to the student in a manner that is least disruptive to the child’s learning.
• Special education is a service, not a placement.

The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Special Education

The New York State Education Department’s Office of Special Education oversees programs and services for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive equitable opportunities and support to achieve positive outcomes. The office provides guidance, professional development, and monitoring for schools, while also offering resources for parents, information on laws and regulations, funding opportunities, and options for dispute resolution, such as mediation and due process.

View more information on the NYSED website.

Committee on Special Education/Committee on Preschool Special Education

The Committee on Special Education/Committee on Preschool Special Education (CSE/CPSE) is sanctioned and regulated by New York State. It acts as a multi-disciplinary team to evaluate the management, academic, physical, and social needs of the referred child and determines if there is an educational disability. The CSE/CPSE must then decide on an appropriate program or placement for the student and the need for related services (i.e., occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, counseling, etc.) if necessary.

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.