School Psychologists
School psychologists play a major role in prevention, intervention and remediation of school problems. They help identify and evaluate children with emotional, social, behavioral and learning disorders; provide short-term or group counseling; and serve as a resource to staff and parents in working with children with special needs.
Social Workers
School social workers intervene in situations where behavioral, emotional or social factors interfere with a student’s ability to attain his/her educational potential. They assess student and parent concerns, provide individual and/or group counseling to students and help parents make use of appropriate community services.
Speech Services
Speech therapists help students with speech and language disorders and articulation disorders. Therapists serve students classified by the Committee on Special Education (CSE) and other students with special needs.
Committee on Special Education
The Committee on Special Education (CSE) evaluates needs of children who have or may have physical, mental or emotional disabilities. A comprehensive core evaluation, which includes a psychological, educational and social assessment, helps determine a child’s needs. When a child is recommended for special education, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed, specifying services to be provided and the approach to be used to address the child’s needs.
Committee on Preschool Special Education
The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) addresses the needs of children, ages 3 to 5, with disabilities. Parents with preschool children suspected of having a handicapping condition should call the WVCSD Pupil Personnel Office at (845) 987-3000, ext. 10602.
Section 504
Section 504 is a civil rights statute that requires schools – public or private – who receive federal financial assistance for educational purposes not discriminate against children with disabilities. Under the rulings of Section 504, schools must provide these students with reasonable accommodations comparable to those provided to their peers. Students with a disability that substantially limits a major life function may be eligible for accommodations under a Section 504 Plan.