Department of Special Services

Department of Special Services

The Tenafly Public Schools recognize our responsibility to locate, identify and provide appropriate services for students in the district who may have special needs and/or disabilities. These special services are administered by the Special Services Office and are consistent with both State and Federal regulations. Upon identification, the district provides the appropriate services to teach students to become active members of the community based on their individual abilities and strengths. We are focused and committed to providing a program that meets the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. A goal possible only through the collaboration of parents, students, administrators, related services personnel, child study team members, general education teachers, and special education teachers.  Please see our list of Special Education Programs at each school.

IDEA

The special education program in Tenafly is based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14 for special education. IDEA governs how special education and related services are to be provided to children with disabilities from the age of 3 through 21 in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Placement Options

Emphasis is placed on facilitating inclusion in general education settings to the fullest extent possible. Programs are assessed on an ongoing basis to ensure that students’ individual needs are met. A range of placement options is available in accordance with Individual Education Plans. These placements include:

•    In-Class Support Resources
•    Resource Center Support
•    Self-Contained Classes
•    Dedicated Placements

Our Staff

Our Special Services Staff is comprised of experts in their fields who are dedicated to developing education plans and delivering services vital to meeting each student’s needs. Our staff consists of Child Study Team case managers and related services providers, as well behavioral, social skills, ABA, and mental health consultant personnel. Our Special Education Teachers are expert, enthusiastic, and committed to providing the highest level of education available. 

Tenafly Public School District has Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) Teams at all district schools. The I&RS Team is available to assess students brought to their attention for social, emotional, or educational needs. The I&RS Team receives referrals from parents, building principals, counselors, Child Study Team members, and teachers and is consulted as a pre-referral intervention to the special education evaluation process.

Referrals

A student may be referred to the Child Study Team for evaluation by teachers, parents/guardians, counselors, and/or building administrators. Parents/guardians may request consideration for evaluation of their child by contacting the building principal or by writing a request to the Director of Special Services.

For additional detailed information, please read our Guide to the Special Education Process.