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Behaviorist

The district has behaviorists on staff to address the behavioral needs of a student. The Behaviorist can be called in to  perform a functional analysis of the student's behavior. The behaviorist can develop a plan to  encourage appropriate behavior and/or improved attentiveness so that the student is more available for learning. The Behaviorist will train staff to utilize these strategies and monitor/adjust the plan as needed.

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Case Manager

An educator who is responsible for processing the students through the procedural process. Case managers lead the child study team (CST) and are responsible for coordinating and monitoring the procedural events through a student's special education career.

 

Child Study Team (CST)

The group of people who evaluate your child’s eligibility for classification in order to receive special education services. The team writes, monitors, and reviews the IEP (Individualized Education Program) for each classified child. The core CST members include the Parents, Teacher, Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant, school Psychologist, and the school Social Worker. If your child receives related services, those teachers and/or therapists will also be members of the team.

 

Classification

IDEA defines the educational disabilities that make a student eligible for special education. Students who meet the criteria for one or more of those disabilities are considered eligible for special education and related services. (See Eligibility/Classification chapter for more information.)

 

Consent

Written parental/guardian consent must be obtained before certain events can occur.  Written parental/guardian consent must occur before evaluations can be conducted, and before the initial IEP can implemented (subsequent IEPs do not require consent). 

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Due Process

"Due Process" is a term that is used for a legal procedure that seeks to ensure the rights of citizens to be treated fairly. Due process procedures in special education are often used when parents or educational professionals disagree about a child's identification, evaluation, eligibility, individualized education program (IEP) or placement. A due process hearing is a legal process in which the resolution of a disagreement between the parents and the district is decided by an administrative law judge (ALJ) from the Office of Administrative Law (OAL). Refer to section 6A:14-2.7 in the New Jersey Special Education Administrative Code and the Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE) booklet for more information.

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Free Public Appropriate Education (FAPE)

A mandated requirement in IDEA, which states that children and youth with disabilities receive public education appropriate to their needs at no cost to their families.

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Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the Federal legislation originally signed into law in 1975, and reauthorized in 1997, which states among other things, that all students with disabilities are entitled to "a free appropriate public education" (FAPE). IDEA is an important initiative that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities. There are many parts to that law relating to all stages of your child's education as well as the district's responsibilities and your role as team member in the process. Title 6A - Chapter 14 of the New Jersey Administrative Code is New Jersey's state law in support of IDEA.  It's goal is to ensure that IDEA is properly implemented in our state. 

 

Identification

It is the decision that a student will be evaluated to determine eligibility for special education services. This decision is made at a meeting which includes parents, members of the Child Study Team, and the student's teacher. A speech language specialist will attend if the student is preschool aged or if the suspected disability is a language disorder. (See Identification section for more information.)

 

Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

An IEP is both a process and a product. The process is one of collaboration and discussion which brings together parents and educators as equal partners sharing ideas and information in order to develop a product - the IEP document. The IEP document is a legally binding contract between the school district and the parent which describes the special education and related services to be provided to a student. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires each student with a disability to have an IEP. (See the IEP Chapter for more information).

 

Integrated Preschool

Our district has an integrated preschool handicapped program. Preschool age children with special needs are educated with their non-disabled peers in the same classroom.

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Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC)

 

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

The educational setting that permits a student with disabilities to have maximum contact possible with disabled peers while meeting the student's special education needs. See Placement for more information.

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Mediation

Mediation is a way to discuss and resolve disagreements between the parents and the school district with the help of a trained, impartial third person. Refer to the Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE) booklet and section 6A:14-2.7 in the New Jersey Special Education Administrative Code for more information.

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Occupational Therapy (OT)

A health profession that helps people improve the functioning of their nervous system in order to develop skills leading to independence in personal, social, academic, and vocational pursuits. A district occupational therapist will work with children to improve their small motor functions, such as writing, cutting, typing.  Occupational therapists also work with children who need improvements in their sensory integration function. Occupational Therapy is a related service.

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Physical Therapy (PT)

A health profession devoted to  improving one's physical abilities through activities that strengthen muscular control and motor coordination. Physical therapists will also provide recommendations for mobility aides, such as wheelchairs; or special seating, such as a Rifkon chair. If an adapted physical education program is stated in the student's IEP, the physical therapist may work with the gym teacher to develop this program. Physical therapy is a related service.

 

Placement

Placement refers to the setting in which a student's special education services and supports are delivered. (See Placement section for more information.)

 

Preschool Handicapped

It is the classification given to eligible children for special education and related services from ages three until five. Our district has an integrated preschool handicapped program. Preschool age children with special needs are educated with their non-disabled peers in the same classroom.

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Reevaluation

Reevaluation is a multi--step process of reviewing information, deciding whether or not more information is needed and, if necessary, conducting assessment(s) to gather that information. Reevaluation allows the IEP team to make educational decisions about a student's continued eligibility for special education services and the appropriate program and placement. (See Eligibility Reevaluation chapter for more information.)

Referral

Referral is the written request for an initial evaluation to determine whether or not a student is eligible for special education and related services. The request is made to the Child Study Team (CST), the principal, the school guidance counselor or the director of special services.

 

Related Services

Related services are based upon the child's needs and are incorporated into the IEP. Related services include, but are not limited to: transportation, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy and medical support. (See Related Services chapter for more information)

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Sensory Integration (SI)

Sensory integration is the normal neurological process of taking in information from one's body and environment through the senses, organizing and unifying this information, and using it to plan and execute adaptive responses to different challenges in order to learn and function smoothly in daily life.

 

Special Education Committee (SEC)

The Special Education Committee of Milburn/Short Hills is a district-wide organization comprised of parents of children with special needs, general education parents, professionals in the field of education, school district administrators and members of our Board of Education.  The SEC offers a variety of services including a monthly newsletter, parent support group, advocacy work and educational programs for students, staff and the general community.  The committee has a general meeting once a month during the school year.

 

Speech and Language Therapy

Treatment to help a student develop or improve articulation, communication skills, and oral-motor skills. Speech and Language Therapy is a related service.