The Fort Edward Union Free School District’s Committee on Special Education (CSE) is seeking parent volunteers to serve as parent members for upcoming CSE meetings. This opportunity allows community members to play an essential role in supporting families and guiding them through the special education process.

Qualifications and Requirements

To ensure a balanced and independent perspective, applicants must meet specific criteria before serving:

• Must currently have a child in special education, or have had one within the past 5 years.

• Cannot be employed by the school district.

• Must reside within the Fort Edward Union Free School District or a neighboring district.

• Must have availability during school hours as needed to attend meetings.

• Must be willing to complete a 2-hour training session.

The Role of a CSE Parent Member

Parent members act as advocates and guides for families during committee reviews. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing Peer Support: Serving as a welcoming and comforting presence for families.

• Clarifying Information: Explaining complex terms, testing data, and legal acronyms when needed.

• Facilitating Communication: Helping parents effectively articulate their concerns to the committee.

• Asking Guiding Questions: Prompting the committee for details that help parents fully comprehend evaluation and placement data.

• Participating in Decisions: Contributing directly to collaborative discussions regarding student eligibility, IEP goals, and placement.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in joining the committee and supporting families in our school community, please reach out for more details or to sign up.

Contact Shauna Brown-Knobel at sbrown@fortedward.org for more information.

Download the CSE Parent Member Information Flyer (PDF)