Rochester City SD Special Ed Hub

About Rochester City SD and Its Students

Welcome to the newyorkspecialed.net hub for special education in the Rochester City School District (RCSD). If you're a parent navigating the special education system here, you're likely feeling overwhelmed, and we hope this page will provide clarity and support.

Rochester City School District is located in the city of Rochester, which is the county seat of Monroe County, in western New York. It's one of the larger districts in the state, serving a diverse student population. As of the 2022-2023 school year, RCSD served approximately 24,000 students. To confirm the most up-to-date enrollment figures, you can visit the New York State Education Department (NYSED) data website at data.nysed.gov. The student body is comprised of a majority of students who identify as Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino. Given the city's diverse population, many languages are spoken in homes across the district; contact the district directly to confirm the most prevalent languages other than English.

According to NYSED data, a significant percentage of students in Rochester City SD receive special education services. In recent years, the percentage has hovered around 20%, which is higher than the state average. This means that you are far from alone in navigating the special education system here. If you're wondering what percentage of students in RCSD have IEPs currently, you can find the most recent data on the NYSED website.

How Special Education Works in Rochester City SD

In New York State, and therefore in Rochester City SD, the Committee on Special Education (CSE) is the body responsible for making decisions about your child's special education program. The CSE is a multidisciplinary team that includes you, the parent, as an equal member. Other members typically include a special education teacher, a general education teacher (if your child is, or may be, participating in general education), a school psychologist, a district representative, and other professionals who have knowledge or expertise regarding your child.

For children under the age of five who are suspected of having a disability, the process begins with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). The CPSE operates similarly to the CSE, but focuses on early intervention services and programs for preschool-aged children. Once a child enters kindergarten, their case is typically transferred to the CSE.

It's crucial to understand that you are an *equal* member of the CSE. You are not simply a guest or an observer. Your input, knowledge of your child, and concerns are vital to the development of an appropriate IEP. The CSE is required to consider your perspective and work collaboratively with you to create a plan that meets your child's unique needs. Don't hesitate to ask questions, share your observations, and advocate for what you believe is best for your child.

Who Qualifies for Services

To qualify for special education services in Rochester City SD, a child must be identified as having one of the 13 disabilities recognized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These categories include:

• Autism
• Deafness
• Deaf-blindness
• Emotional Disturbance
• Hearing Impairment
• Intellectual Disability
• Multiple Disabilities
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impairment
• Specific Learning Disability
• Speech or Language Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairment (including blindness)

It's important to understand that simply having a diagnosis that falls within one of these categories does not automatically qualify a child for special education services. The disability must *adversely affect the child's educational performance.* This means that the disability must be demonstrably impacting the child's ability to learn and progress in the general education curriculum.

For example, a child with a diagnosis of ADHD (which falls under "Other Health Impairment") may only qualify for an IEP if their ADHD symptoms significantly interfere with their ability to focus, learn, and participate in classroom activities. Similarly, a child with a speech impediment may only qualify for services if their speech difficulties impede their ability to communicate effectively in the classroom.

It's also important to note that being an English Language Learner (ELL) does not, in itself, qualify a child for special education. However, if an ELL student is suspected of having a disability, they are entitled to an evaluation that is conducted in their native language or mode of communication. The evaluation must assess whether the child's difficulties are due to a disability or simply a lack of proficiency in English.

What Services Are Available

Rochester City SD offers a range of special education services designed to meet the diverse needs of its students. These services are provided along a continuum, from the least restrictive environment (LRE) to more specialized settings. The goal is always to provide services in the LRE that is appropriate for the child.

Here are some of the services that may be available:

• Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT): In an ICT classroom, a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together to provide instruction to all students, including those with IEPs. This allows students with disabilities to learn alongside their peers in a general education setting.
• Special Class (12:1:1): This type of class has a maximum of 12 students with one teacher and one teaching assistant. It provides a more structured and individualized learning environment for students who need more intensive support.
• Special Class (8:1:1): This class has a maximum of 8 students with one teacher and one teaching assistant, offering even more individualized attention.
• Special Class (6:1:1): This is the most restrictive setting within the district, with a maximum of 6 students, one teacher, and one teaching assistant. It is designed for students with significant disabilities who require a highly individualized and supportive learning environment.

In addition to these classroom settings, Rochester City SD also provides related services, such as:

• Speech Therapy: Helps students with communication difficulties, such as articulation, fluency, and language comprehension.
• Occupational Therapy (OT): Helps students develop fine motor skills, sensory processing skills, and other skills needed to participate in daily activities.
• Physical Therapy (PT): Helps students develop gross motor skills, mobility, and balance.
• Counseling: Provides emotional and behavioral support to students who are struggling with mental health issues or social-emotional challenges.

In some cases, the Rochester City SD may not be able to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) within the district. In these situations, the CSE may recommend an out-of-district placement. This could be a specialized school or program that is better equipped to meet the child's unique needs. The district is responsible for paying for the cost of the out-of-district placement.

Your Rights as a Parent

As a parent of a child with a disability in Rochester City SD, you have certain rights that are protected by law. These rights are often referred to as procedural safeguards. It's important to be aware of these rights so that you can effectively advocate for your child's needs.

Some of the key procedural safeguards include:

• Right to Participate in the CSE: As mentioned earlier, you are an equal member of the CSE and have the right to participate in all meetings and decisions related to your child's special education program.
• Right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at Public Expense: If you disagree with the results of the school district's evaluation of your child, you have the right to obtain an IEE from a qualified professional who is not employed by the district. In certain circumstances, the school district may be required to pay for the IEE.
• Right to Prior Written Notice: The school district must provide you with written notice whenever they propose to take an action (or refuse to take an action) regarding your child's identification, evaluation, or placement. This notice must explain the proposed action, the reasons for it, and your rights as a parent.
• Right to Mediation and Impartial Hearing: If you have a dispute with the school district regarding your child's special education program, you have the right to request mediation or an impartial hearing. Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps you and the school district reach a mutually agreeable resolution. An impartial hearing is a more formal process in which an independent hearing officer hears evidence and makes a decision about the dispute.

You do not need a lawyer to assert these rights. While an attorney or advocate can be helpful, you are fully capable of advocating for your child on your own. The key is to be informed, persistent, and to document everything.

The law requires the district to complete an evaluation within 60 school days of receiving parental consent.

Next Steps

Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming, but remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to support you and your child. Here are some next steps you can take:

• If your child has not yet been evaluated: Start by visiting our Evaluation Process page to understand the steps involved in requesting an evaluation and what to expect during the process.
• If you have a CSE meeting coming up: Review our CSE Meeting Guide to prepare for the meeting, understand your role, and learn how to effectively advocate for your child's needs.
• Read our page about IEP Goals: Learn how to ensure your child's IEP goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Read our page about IEP Services: Understand the range of services available and how to determine which services are appropriate for your child.
• Read our page about Testing Accommodations: Learn about common testing accommodations and how to request them for your child's IEP.
• Read our page about When Things Go Wrong: Understand your options if you disagree with the school district's decisions or if your child is not making progress.