Jessica Ballester, Supervisor of Special Education
(201) 930-5600
Our Mission
The Special Services team works with students, parents and staff to ensure that students with a disability receive a free and appropriate education consistent with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act {IDEA}. Moreover, we are committed to providing a high quality, appropriate special education program for our Woodcliff Lake students. The district further ensures that the rights of students with disabilities and their parents are protected. All programs and services are subject to review and approval by the Department of Education.
Parents are encouraged to call their child’s teacher or case manager, if there are any questions or concerns regarding their child’s program.
Programs and Services
Students are identified to the Special Services Department through a written referral, which is essentially a request for an initial evaluation to determine whether the student exhibits an educational disability and therefore, eligible for an Individual Education Program {IEP}. An IEP is a document which delineates the special education program, services and modifications consistent with each student’s entitlement and needs. Specific IEP recommendations are made on an individual basis according to the nature and severity of each student’s disability.
Students in any placement may receive related services, including but not limited to counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech in order to benefit from their educational program.
General Information
Any parent who may have a question or concern regarding the identification, evaluation or IEP process may call the Special Services office for discussion or clarification. You may also request a copy of Parental Rights in Special Education, and/or a copy of the New Jersey Administrative Code Title 6A Chapter 14 Special Education.
Department of Education Website: http://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/