Special Services-

The Child Study Team consists of the learning disabilities teacher consultant, speech language specialist, social worker and school psychologist. The learning consultant conducts educational evaluations, reviews and modifies curriculum, consults with teachers and administrators. The speech language specialist is an expert in all areas of communication. The social worker evaluates the affective and social skills, counsels students and parents, communicates with community agencies, consults with school staff. The school psychologist conducts psychological evaluations, counsels students both individually and in groups, consults with school staff members and provides crisis intervention to students.

The Child Study Team works with teachers, parents, and school personnel to provide support of students identified as a child with a learning disability. The team collaborates together to assess individual needs, develop tailored Individualize Education Programs to ensure that the students receive the appropriate resources and support to thrive academically and socially. By working together, the CST aims to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that helps all students reach their full potential.

What is an IEP?

An Individual Education Plan or IEP is a written document designed for a child with a specific disability as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). An IEP will state a student's special education program, present academic levels, their needs, and includes measurable goals.
In order to qualify for special education a student must be found to have one of the following categories of disability as defined by IDEA and the disability must be proven to negatively impact the student's education.

Qualifying disabilities:

Auditory Impairment
Autism
Intellectual Disability
Communication Impairment
Emotional Regulation Impairment
Multiple Disabilities
Deaf/Blindness
Orthopedic Impairment
Other Health Impairment
Preschool Child with a Disability
Social Maladjustment
Specific Learning Disability
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment

A referral is a written request for a full child study team evaluation that is submitted when a child is suspected of having a disability and may need a special education program.

Our district uses Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) to support students learning. The student should first be referred to the I&RS committee. If the tier 3 interventions recommended by the I&RS committee are not providing improvement, the committee will determine the next plan of action. This could include updating the RTI plan, determining 504 eligibility or referring to the CST for evaluation.

What is section 504?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights statue which provides that, "No otherwise qualified individual with disabilities in the United States shall, solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance or activity conducted by any executive agency (29 U.S.C. 794)."

What does the 504 committee do?

The purpose of the 504 committee is to ensure that students who are disabled as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, assessed, and provided with appropriated educational services. Students may be considered disabled under this act even though they are not eligible for services under IDEA. A student with disabilities is the same as "a handicapped person" defined by 34 C.F.R. 104.3(j). That definition is as follows: "Handicapped person" means any person who (i) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activies, (ii)has a record of such impairment, or (iii)is regarded as having such impairment."

What is a 504 plan?

A 504 plan is a document that provides necessary accomodations to students with disabilities who have a physical or mental handicapping condition that is determined to have a substantial impact on one or more major life activities.

Process for new referrals-

Parents, teachers or others may refer a student to the 504 committee
A meeting is held with the 504 committee and parents
Data is gathered by the team. Consideration is given to documentation from a variety of sources (parents, teachers, medical/mental health professionals,academic records, testing results). All information is used to determine eligibility.
If it is determined that a student's medical or mental handicapping condition meets eligibilty criteria, a plan is developed to provide accomodations for the student to be able to access their educational program to the extent as their non-disabled peers.
If it is determined the student is not eligible, teachers will continue to monitor student progress. Possible recommendation to I&RS committee.
Once a 504 plan is completed, all teachers who are in contact with the student will be notified. They are required to read and sign off on the plan.

Related Services refers to non-academic, school-based services that may be provided to support a student's success within the school environment. Related services are provided through a student's IEP and assist students in developing specific skills in accordance with their IEP goals.

Occupational Therapy

An occupational therapist (OT) is a trained health care professional that uses goal directed activities and tasks to enable students with a disability to benefit from IEP programs. Federal law mandates OT in schools to be educationally relevant. Under Part B of IDEA, occupational therapy is a "related service" to special education. This means that services must enhance or support educational goals as stated in the student's IEP. Occupational therapists in the school setting look at certain skills which may interfere with a student's educational performance. Occupational therapists can address skills using a variety of intervention strategies. These may include direct therapy with the student, consultation with the teacher, modifications in the classroom, and staff training.

Our OT is Mrs. Michelle Bayer mbayer@oxfordcentral.org

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist (PT) is a trained health care professional that uses goal directed activities and tasks to enable students with a disability to benefit from IEP programs. Federal law mandates PT in schools to be educationally relevant. Under Part B of IDEA, physical therapy is a "related service" to special education. This means that services must enhance or support educational goals as stated in the student's IEP. Physical Therapists in the school setting look at certain skills which may interfere with a student's educational performance. Physical therapists can address skills using a variety of intervention strategies. These may include direct therapy with the student, consultation with the teacher, modifications in the classroom, and staff training.

Our PT is Mrs. Dawn Kuncken dkuncken@oxfordcentral.org

Special Education Parent Advisory Group

Purpose

Special Education Parent Advisory Groups are required for all school districts in New Jersey. The purpose of the SEPAG is:

To offer an opportunity for parents to have a discussion on critical issues related to students with special needs.
To provide input and recommendations on programs and practices that impact students’ education and related services.
To advise on matters pertaining to the education, health, and safety of children with special needs.
To advise on possible unmet needs of children with special needs.
To establish a venue to demonstrate mutual respect for the roles of parent and school leadership.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Oxford Central School District Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) is to empower parents of children with special needs to be involved in advising on matters pertaining to the education, safety, and health of students with special needs and learning differences. The SEPAG meets to collaborate with the district’s Director of Special Services and administrators. The SEPAG supports the development and implementation of programs and best practices to sufficiently meet the needs of special education students and families in the district. The SEPAG offers the opportunity to raise questions, voice your concerns, and provide direct input to administrators regarding support services. The SEPAG also provides parents and families opportunities to learn about district programs, services, and resources.

For more information contact Renee Hart.