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The special education department is
responsible for the educational programs of all identified and classified disabled
children in the district and for evaluating and diagnosing children who are believed to be
in need of special education programs. The child study team makes recommendations for
placement and services.
The district has 27 child study team members, including learning
disability teacher consultants, social workers and psychologists. In addition to testing
and evaluating children. The team members work with teachers and parents to develop an
individualized educational program (IEP) for each classified student. They also monitor
the progress of the students and consult with parents, teachers and school administrators.
Programs provided depend on the individual needs of the identified students. Related
services can include speech/language, occupational and physical therapy. Students can be
identified as eligible as early as their third birthday. Programs include:
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Preschool early childhood development classes.
If you are concerned that your preschool child ages three to five may
have a developmental delay in motor, social, and/or language areas, or if
your child has a diagnosed disability, call the Special Education
Department at (732) 613-6748. The Child Study Team (CST) will schedule
a meeting to discuss your concerns. The Child Study Team consists of a
school psychologist, learning consultant, social worker and
speech/language specialist. The Child Study Team, with input from parents,
will identify the evaluations that may be needed in order to determine
your child's eligibility for Special Education and Related Services.
Preschool programs are available to meet the needs of eligible children.
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In-class support, in which students usually receive most of their instruction in the
mainstream but may need additional support within that setting. Classes are co-taught by
special education and mainstream teachers. The special education students have the same
curriculum and must meet similar proficiencies, based on individual needs, as the
mainstream students in the class.
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Resource center programs, to which students who need an intensified program, are
assigned for instruction in designated subjects. They receive instruction in academic
subjects from the special education teacher in the program.
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Self-contained classes for students who will benefit from a special classroom
setting. The students are mainstreamed whenever possible for instruction and participation
in school activities.
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Occupational and physical therapy provided within the district by licensed physical
therapists and registered occupational therapists. Students who receive physical therapy
must obtain a physician’s prescription each year before the therapy can begin.
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Speech and language assistance for youngsters in special and regular education.
Speech and language clinicians work with the students identified for speech and/or
language therapy. They also participate in the evaluation process for the early childhood
development program and contribute to the formulation of the IEP.
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Home instruction for students who are unable to attend school for medical reasons. A
physician’s recommendation must be received before home instruction can be given.
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Outside district programs, which are
sought only when the school system is not able to provide locally the
appropriate education environment deemed necessary by the child study
team. Members of the special education staff monitor the students who are
placed in out-of-district programs.
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