The Office of Special Education is committed to meeting the diverse needs (academic, social, physical and management) of students receiving special education services. Special education is individualized or group instruction, special services and programs, specifically designed for each child. In order to meet individual student's needs and ensure the success in the educational program, the Committee on Special Education will make recommendations regarding the identification, evaluation, and programming for children who require special education services.

At least once a year, the Committee on Special Education (CSE) meets to determine the appropriateness of the student's program and need for continued support. At the annual review the student's IEP is updated.

An Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is a formal document that describes the student's academic, management, physical, and social strength and needs as well as present levels of performance and specific educational goals. It also indicates the nature of the student's disability and recommended program.

The IEP is the teacher's roadmap or guide. It teaches us how to communicate with the parent through the IEP process and how the student is progressing towards achieving individual goals.

Some students also receive counseling services to address socially emotional issues that impact learning. Counseling can be given by a school psychologist, school social worker or school guidance counselor delivered in small groups or individually. Other students require speech and language services to improve expressive or receptive language. These services are also delivered to a small group or individually.

Our Program Objectives Are:

• To foster growth and independence in academic, social and emotional domains
• To promote a positive self-image
• To work cooperatively and collaboratively with the local CSE's that place the students at the Hawthorne Cedar Knolls UFSD school district to ensure effective programming (day student population)
• To work cooperatively and collaboratively wiht the JBFCS program where the children reside (residential student population)
• To encourage involvement and support for parents
• To continue to assess the effectiveness of our programs in meeting the needs of students
• To facilitate the transition from high school to post secondary programs and/or employment