Special Services
We know that every child can learn but recognize they do not all learn the same way—the pathway in pursuit of excellence and educational fulfillment looks different for everyone. Ultimately, we strive to work with families as well as the entire school community to assure that each child with a disability is educated in a supportive environment where understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of learning differences prevails.
Special Services and Learner Support
We offer services and support for all children with special needs who are between the ages of three and five and in kindergarten through eighth grade whose parents are legal residents of Closter. A child’s special needs may include delayed and/or deficient speech and language development, significant delays/difficulties in academic achievement and cognitive development, emotional or social problems, physical (orthopedic, visual, or hearing) impairments, or chronic illness.
If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact the Child Study Team office 201-768-3860.
Special Needs Preschool Program
Hillside School is home to Closter’s preschool program, a district-based, early-learning environment designed to meet the needs of three- and four-year-old children with special needs. Our program integrates special needs children with their typically developing peers. We incorporate the goals and objectives of the students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP) and offer activities that foster growth in all areas of child development through a curriculum that is aligned with the NJ Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards of Quality.
Closter Public Schools offers assistance for families of preschoolers ages three through five. If you have concerns about the development of your preschooler, please contact Lori Cohen, director of special services.
Child Study Team
The members of our Child Study Team include a school psychologist, a learning disabilities teacher consultant, and a school social worker. At times, we may include other specialists including speech-language specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and physicians.
Our Child Study Team is dedicated to locating, identifying, and considering the needs of students with disabilities, in accordance with state and federal regulations. This includes evaluation, collaboration in individual program development, and case management of students ages three through 14. Our purpose is to insure that each student with a disability is provided a free and appropriate education (FAPE).
Child Identification
Parents, teachers, or physicians may refer a child in kindergarten through eighth grade for evaluation to determine eligibility for special services. The school, in collaboration with parents, may then seek to ameliorate the student’s difficulties through strategic interventions offered by the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) Team (formerly known as the Pupil Assistance Committee/PAC). If the strategic interventions of the I&RS do not prove helpful, we may bring the child’s concerns to the attention of the Child Study Team (CST).
We will also evaluate children between the ages of 2½ and five years old with suspected learning or physical disabilities.
Evaluation Process
The CST reviews the student’s records, current performance levels, and concerns from teachers and parents at a planning meeting to determine whether or not an evaluation is warranted.
After obtaining written parental consent for evaluation, members of the CST conduct individual evaluations based on their specialties, and a written report is prepared and sent to the parent/guardian in advance of the eligibility meeting.
If the CST finds a student is eligible for special education and related services, we will develop and implement an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The IEP addresses a student’s specific needs, including specialized instruction and recommended placement.
Project Child Find
Project Child Find is a free referral service and public awareness campaign to assist in the identification of unserved/underserved youth with a delay or disability from birth through 21 years of age. Child Find develops and distributes information to the public about early intervention services and special education programs throughout New Jersey.
Early Intervention System
The Early Intervention System implements New Jersey’s statewide system of services for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, with developmental delays or disabilities and their families.
Section 504
If your child does not qualify for special education under IDEA but has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including learning, the child may qualify for special help in a classroom setting under section 504.
Child Study Team Members
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Special Services Department
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Parent Resources
Our Child Study Team is here to help. Please contact us with any questions.
State & County
- Bergen County Special Services Resource Center- CAPE CENTER – Resources for families and students in Bergen County.
- Bergen’s Promise – The designated Care Management Organization (CMO) for Bergen County serving youth (5 to 21) with serious behavioral health challenges, substance abuse issues, and developmental disabilities.
- NJ Children’s System of Care/PerformCare – When a child is facing challenges to their functioning and wellbeing, PerformCare helps families access the right services.
- Family Support Organization of Bergen County – Provides direct family-to-family peer support, education, advocacy, and other supports for children with emotional and/or behavioral challenges.
- New Jersey State Department of Education – Special Education
- Parental Rights in Special Education
Parent Support Groups
- CHADD – Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
- ASPEN – Provides families and individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities with education, support, and advocacy.
- SPAN – Statewide Parent Advocacy Network is an independent 501(c)3 organization committed to empowering families as advocates and partners, improving education and health outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth.
- Advocates for Children of New Jersey – Works with local, state, and federal leaders to identify and implement changes that will benefit New Jersey’s children.
Federal Resources
