Woodbury Heights Elementary School

How is a student referred for a Child Study Team evaluation?

Students between the ages of 3 and 21, suspected of having an educational disability may be referred to the Gateway Group Child Study Team.  Typically, referrals come from the following: 

• PARENTS: Parents may request a Child Study Team evaluation by forwarding their request in writing to Kristy Green, Director of Special Services.  The Gateway Group Child Study Team will only accept original signatures for requests for evaluation.  We will accept the use of electronic mail from the parent/guardian once the original signature is obtained requesting an evaluation.  The parent may not utilize electronic mail to provide written consent when the district provides written notice and seeks parental consent as required by N.J.A.C. 6A:14.
• INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES COMMITTEE (I & RS): The I & RS Committee is a building based group that meets regularly to provide intervention strategies for students experiencing difficulty in the classroom.  Once the I & RS committee has utilized its resources and determines that the additional information may be necessary, or feels that the student may be potentially educationally disabled, the student may be recommended for a CST evaluation.
• ADMINISTRATION OR OUTSIDE AGENCIES: The Principal or other building administrator or an individual from an outside agency may refer a student for a CST evaluation.

What is the procedure after a referral is made?
Once a referral has been made, the CST has 20 days to schedule an Initial Identification Meeting.  The necessary personnel expected to attend this meeting include a school social worker, school psychologist, learning disabilities teacher consultant, director, speech and language specialist (if the suspected disability included that area or the child is between the ages of 3 and 5) and the parent or guardian.

Are the students automatically tested if the request is made?
No.  Once a request for a CST evaluation is made, an Initial Identification Meeting must be scheduled.  At that meeting, it is determined if a CST evaluation is warranted and if so, an Evaluation Plan is developed.

What is the procedure if the student is going to be tested?
Once it is determined that the testing is necessary, an assessment plan is developed and the parent/guardian gives written permission.  The district then has 90 days to complete the necessary evaluations.  Within the 90 day window, an Eligibility Conference is scheduled.  The evaluations are interpreted and it is determined if the student is eligible for special education and/or related services.

If a student is eligible, does that mean that they will be placed in a special education class?
No, not necessarily.  Before a student receives services, and Individual Education Program must be developed and agreed to.  Each school offers a continuum of service delivery options for  students with disabilities. 

• For an informative guide to understanding the special education process in New Jersey see the following link:http://www.state.nj.us/njded/specialed/info/process.doc

The district offers free services to preschool aged children with special needs.  Screening, professional guidance and an education program, if needed, are all available, free of charge, through the district.  If you know of a child who may have a problem, please call Kristy Green, the Director of Special Services, at (856) 848-8200 x221.  All information is strictly confidential.

Use the following developmental checklist to help you determine if your child could benefit from a special education program and seek help early.

• Developmental Checklist

When a family is concerned that a child may be developmentally or educationally delayed, the first thing they want is more information. Professionals who work with the child and family may also need information - important information that can help ensure that services are in place to meet the child's educational needs.

The New Jersey State Department of Education has established Project CHILD FIND, a free public awareness and referral service, to assist families, professionals and interested individuals by identifying available early intervention, preschool disabilities and special education programs and services throughout New Jersey. 

To learn more about Project CHILD FIND: http://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/childfind/fact_sheet.pdf

Information through Project CHILD FIND may be obtained by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-322-8174, which is in service 7 days a week, 24-hours a day. All calls received are confidential.

*Project CHILD FIND is a service of the New Jersey Department of Education to help identify under-served disabled children birth to 21 years of age. Project CHILD FIND is funded through a grant from the United States Department of Education.

Preschool Program (PSD or integrated)

Preschool Disabilities Programs: School districts in New Jersey are obligated to provide educational programs to children from ages 3 to 5 who demonstrate developmental delays. These children are evaluated by a Child Study Team and, if special education is warranted, the child is recommended for a classification of Preschool Child with a Disability

Integrated Preschool: The district’s Preschool Inclusion Program will enroll preschoolers with disabilities, along with typically developing children, if appropriate, in order to provide public school opportunities according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Program Goals:

• To provide a curriculum for each preschool child based on individual differences and abilities
• To provide experiences that meet each child’s needs, to stimulate learning in all developmental areas (physical, emotional, social and cognitive) and curricular areas (language literacy, mathematics, social/emotional development, social studies, science, world languages, creative arts and health, safety and physical development)
• To provide opportunities to develop relationships, interactions and activities-these are designed to develop children’s self-esteem and to engender positive feelings towards learning and towards other students
• To provide opportunities for the children to participate in small and large group activities to the best of their abilities
• To provide opportunities in all areas of language development-listening, speaking, reading, thinking and expressing themselves in various ways
• To provide experiences in gross motor skills (running, skipping, climbing) as well as fine motor activities (writing, cutting, coloring)
• To provide daily opportunities for a wide range of musical and movement activities
• To provide experiences in gross motor activities (running, skipping, climbing), as well as fine motor activities (writing, cutting, coloring)