Special Services Referral Process: 

When students experience limited academic progress, intervention is initiated through a Response to Intervention team (RTI) meeting. This meeting involves the teacher, building administrator, special services administrator, parents, specialists, and members of the RTI school-based team. Primary support is provided in general education classes based on recommendations developed by the student’s RTI team. The RTI team reviews students' needs and provides evidence-based support within the general education program. If the implemented supports do not meet the student's individual needs, a referral to the Child Study Team may be made. Parents/guardians can also make a direct referral to the Child Study Team. 

Once the Child Study Team receives a referral, an identification meeting is scheduled within 20 days. Participants in this meeting include the parents/guardians, the classroom teacher, and the Child Study Team members. The Child Study Team is a multidisciplinary team that typically consists of a learning disability teacher-consultant (LDT-C), a school psychologist, and a social worker responsible for identifying, evaluating, and determining eligibility for special education. 

Related service providers, such as speech and language specialists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, may also be included. A speech therapist will also be part of the meeting for students aged three to five. 

A case manager is assigned upon the written request for an evaluation, and an evaluation plan is developed. 

During this evaluation process, the student is considered to be potentially educationally disabled. A decision may be made that evaluations may not be warranted. In cases where evaluations are warranted, the evaluation may take up to 90 days and involves collecting data, test results, observations, interviews, and any other pertinent information agreed upon in the evaluation plan. In cases where evaluations are not warranted, students may be referred back to the RTI team for school-based services. 

When evaluations are warranted, and after all evaluations have been completed, parents will receive written notice along with copies of all reports. 

The process concludes with an eligibility determination meeting. If the eligibility criteria are met, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed with the IEP Team members within the allowable timeframe.

The Department of Special Services is available to assist students who experience academic difficulties. We currently offer a range of program options from preschool through high school, providing children with access to a free and appropriate public education. Programs are determined and developed collaboratively and individually, as we strive to educate students in the least restrictive environment (LRE). General education with supplementary aids and services, in-class support, and resource center support are provided as needed. Additionally, out-of-district programs offered by approved schools for students with disabilities are considered when appropriate. Related services available to eligible students include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling. It should be noted that speech and language services may also be available to some students who are not part of the special education program.

If you have any questions about our services, we encourage you to contact our staff members by telephone or email.

Special Services Philosophy: 

• Helping our students to reach their full potential and to become lifelong learners is the central focus of our program. Our philosophy is one of inclusive education in which our students are educated in a school community where everyone belongs and is accepted and supported. Staff members focus on individual learning styles to engage students in the learning process with instruction encompassing interdisciplinary connections and problem-solving skills. The Department of Special Services is dedicated to exploring a full continuum of program options that will assist our students with respect to academic progress and the development of social and emotional skills.

Our program is centered on helping students reach their full potential and become lifelong learners:

Students - Least restrictive environment: 

1. We believe in inclusive education in the least restrictive environment, where every student is accepted and supported within our school community. 

Staff:

2. Our staff focuses on individual learning styles to effectively engage students, using instruction that includes interdisciplinary connections and promotes problem-solving skills. 

Families: 

3. We believe parents are an essential part of their child’s educational experience. Their involvement and input help us better support each student’s needs through      collaboration and mutual respect. 

Program: 

4. The Department of Special Services is committed to offering a comprehensive range of program options to assist our students in achieving academic success while also developing their social and emotional skills.

Project Child Find: 

Project Child Find is a free referral service and public awareness campaign to assist in the identification of unserved and underserved youth with a delay or disability from birth through 21 years of age. Project Child Find also develops and distributes information to the public about early intervention services and special education programs throughout New Jersey. The toll free number for Project Child Find is (800) 322-8174.

In compliance with Project Child Find, the Mountainside School District Department of Special Services conducts evaluations for those students who may have learning difficulties relative to cognition, communication, social, emotional, and motor functioning. Further, the Department of Special Services regularly mails and posts Project Child Find information in an effort to identify students who may be at risk. Lastly, the Project Child Find flyer is included in the monthly newsletter for easy access. 

Parents/guardians who reside in Mountainside and who suspect their preschool-age student may be delayed or disabled are encouraged to seek assistance from the Mountainside School District’s Child Study Team. This includes migrant and homeless students. Evaluation, professional guidance, and an education program are available at no charge through the Child Study Team. The district telephone number to call in this regard is (908) 232-8828 X 310. The New Jersey Department of Education has information posted on its website as well at http://www.state.nj.us/education/specialed/childfind/. 

For parents/guardians concerned about an infant or toddler from birth to the age of three, pertaining to delays or disabilities, an Early Intervention Service Coordinator can be contacted. A Service Coordinator will talk with parents/guardians about concerns and offer referral information. If a developmental evaluation is needed, the Service Coordinator will work with parents/guardians to schedule a multidisciplinary evaluation of the infant or toddler’s developmental levels. This evaluation service is provided at no cost to parents/guardians. If appropriate, certain early intervention services may be recommended. The toll-free number to call for Early Intervention questions is:  1-800-322-8174.

Again, children or adult students between the ages of birth and 21 who are found eligible for special education and related services are entitled to a free and appropriate special education program.