Oradell SEPAC
Special Services at OPS
Who is in charge of special services?
The Office of Special Services oversees the administration of services to all children in the Oradell Public School District.
How does the process work?
If parents have concerns about a child’s academic, emotional, physical, or behavioral performance in the classroom, they should speak to the student’s homeroom teacher. Parents can contact teachers at any time. There is no need to wait until scheduled conferences or until report cards are issued. They may also wish to consult the child's pediatrician.
For general academic concerns, teachers may initiate classroom interventions or support strategies to address concerns and/or recommend basic skills instruction. If initial the classroom interventions are insufficient, a teacher may make a referral to Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS), which could recommend additional interventions.
What happens is my child is referred to Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS)?
What happens is my child is referred to Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS)?
I&RS is a team typically made up of an administrator, a counselor, teacher(s), and the I&RS coordinator. Additional staff, such as reading specialists, basic skills teachers, or a school nurse may participate, as needed. The team reviews the concerns raised and holds a meeting with the child's parent/guardian. During the meeting, the team, in collaboration with the parent/guardian, will develop a plan to address the concerns. There is often a follow up meeting scheduled after the accommodations, modifications or services have been implemented to review their effectiveness.
What is a Child Study Team?
What is a Child Study Team?
The Child Study Team (CST) is made up of a school psychologist, social worker, and learning disability teacher consultant (LDT-C). A speech therapist and other service providers work with the CST when needed. Students who are experiencing significant learning and/or behavioral difficulties in school may be referred to the CST for possible consideration for the need of special education and/or related services. Parents may also request an evaluation by the CST.
How is the CST different from the I&RS?
How is the CST different from the I&RS?
The CST can conduct evaluations to determine whether or not a child is eligible for services under the New Jersey Administrative Code Title 6A Chapter 14 Special Education. For more information about the CST at OPS click here.
How do I arrange a CST evaluation for my child?
How do I arrange a CST evaluation for my child?
If parents believe their child may need special education services, they can refer the child for evaluation by submitting a written request to Supervisor of Special Education Services. This letter must include an original signature of the parent/guardian. It is a good idea to keep a copy of this letter for yourself.
Upon receipt of the written referral with original parent/guardian signature, the Office of Special Services must hold an initial evaluation planning meeting within 20 calendar days (excluding school holidays but not weekends or summer vacation).
How do I write a CST referral letter?
A CST referral letter is specific to the needs of your child. Include any documentation of medical evaluations, psychological evaluations and/or independent assessments of your child. Here a few resources to get you started:
National Center for Learning Disabilities video / How Do I Request an Evaluation?
What happens next?
To learn more about navigating the process please click here