As the Supervisor of Special Services and Student Support Services I look forward to working collaboratively with parents, staff, the administrative team at OPS and the community on behalf of the children of Oradell.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the programs detailed below please contact me at 201-261-1180 ext. 123.

Important Links:
Project Find
Local Resources
Family Support Organization
Autism Speaks 100 Day Packet at www.autismspeaks.org


CHILD STUDY TEAM SERVICES

The State mandates that all schools have the services of a Child Study Team available to students.   The team includes a school psychologist, social worker, and learning consultant.

Our team plays an essential role in the total educational program.   The members:

•  Serve as consultants to faculty and administration regarding students

•  Conduct comprehensive studies of students with significant learning and/or behavioral difficulties

•  Recommend educational strategies and programs to meet the special needs of students, and

•  Work with parents and community agencies to promote a cooperative approach to the educational, social, and physical wellbeing of children.

Students who are experiencing significant learning and/or behavioral difficulties in school may be referred to the Child Study Team for possible consideration for the need of special education and/or related services.   Parents may address their concerns, in writing, to the Director of Special Services.   Upon receipt of the written referral, the Office of Special Education date stamps the request, assigns a case manager (Child Study Team), and within 20 calendar days, excluding school holidays but not weekends or summer vacation, schedules a meeting.   The meeting shall be attended by the Child Study Team, the parent, a regular education teacher with knowledge of the educational performance of the District's programs.   The purpose of the meeting shall be to review existing data and make a determination regarding the need for an evaluation.   If so, the nature and scope of the evaluation will also be determined.   If the evaluation results verify that the student has a significant learning and/or behavioral disability, which is impacting on his/her ability to be successful in school, an individualized education program is developed for the student and specific special education program services are provided.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Instructional Support

Some students who need assistance in reading, writing, and mathematics will receive support through this program.   Assistance may be given either in class or as a pull-out program by our language arts or math support teacher.   Children are identified for services based on multiple criteria established by the school district.

English as a Second Language

The school, in compliance with State Law, maintains a program for students with limited English skills.   The students represent a variety of native languages and are taught to develop the functional English language skills needed for classroom success.

Entrance and exit from this program is determined through an assessment and teacher recommendation.   These students are also given support within their classroom.

The Gifted and Talented Program

Students differ in their degrees and dimensions of intelligence.   The Gifted and Talented program provides a range of differentiated teaching and learning experiences to meet the needs of students in grades kindergarten through six.   Students are offered a variety of new experiences through the school wide enrichment model.   Emphasis in both the cognitive and affective domains is stressed in that both are equally important for the development of well-rounded and successful learners.

Speech/Language Services

Students who experience a speech and/or language disorder, which meets the criteria of N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.5(c)4, are eligible to receive speech/language services by the school's speech/language specialist.

Home Instruction

Home instruction is provided for students who, due to illness or injury, are unable to attend school for a period longer than two weeks.   If your child requires this service, please contact Mrs. Orthmann, the School Nurse.