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).

Special Education Placement

The district is committed to maximizing opportunities for students to learn and participate in general education settings to the greatest extent appropriate for each student. Placement decisions are individualized and guided by each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), with programs and services reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that students’ evolving academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs are appropriately addressed.

A continuum of placement and support options is available to provide the appropriate level of services and inclusion for each student such as:

•    In-Class Resource Support
•    Pull Out Resource Support
•    Self-Contained Classes

Our Staff

The Tenafly Public School District’s Special Services Staff  is comprised of highly qualified professionals who are dedicated to supporting the academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of every student. Our team works collaboratively with students, families, and school staff to develop individualized educational plans and provide services designed to help each student achieve meaningful progress and success. Our Special Services staff includes Child Study Team case managers, special education teachers, related services providers, behavioral specialists, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) professionals, and mental health consultants. Each member of our team brings specialized expertise, compassion, and a commitment to providing high-quality educational programs and services that are responsive to the unique needs of our students.

Referrals

The Tenafly Public School District maintains Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) Teams in each of its schools. The I&RS process serves as an important early-intervention and pre-referral support system, providing schools and families with an opportunity to address student needs and implement appropriate, targeted interventions and strategies before considering a special education evaluation, when appropriate. Referrals to the I&RS Team may be initiated by parents/guardians, building principals, counselors, Child Study Team members, teachers, or other school personnel. A student may be referred to the Child Study Team (CST) by a teacher, parent/guardian, school counselor, building administrator, or other appropriate school personnel. Parents and guardians who wish to directly request an evaluation may submit a written request to the Director of Special Services. The written request should include the student’s name, date of birth, address, parent contact information and a brief description of concerns. The letter must include a hand signed signature of at least one parent/guardian.

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