Department of Special Services
Rockaway Valley School
11 Valley Road
Boonton Township, New Jersey 07005
Christy Voorhees, Director of Special Services
973-334-4162 x 369
Fax: 973-316-6956
Special Education
The special education system can grow daunting and complex to both parents/guardians and educators. It is important parents have an understanding of special education in order to effectively work with Boonton Township Public School to determine what is most appropriate for their child. This website is intended to be a resource to both parents and educators. Although the persons involved within the system of each school district may be different, the special education process is extremely similar. Please refer to A Guide to the Special Education Process as a reference tool.
The vision of Boonton Township Special Services is that "all students can achieve"; therefore, we are committed to identifying and meeting the diverse needs of each student through individualized educational programming. Our mission is to work cooperatively with families, students, community, colleagues, and other professionals in order to promote each student's success and well-being as he/she prepares for future endeavors.
How to Request an Evaluation
If you are a Boonton Township resident, and would like to request that your child be evaluated by the Child Study Team, you may do so by submitting a letter of request to the Office of Special Services via mail:
Rockaway Valley School
Office of Special Services
11 Valley Road
Boonton Township, NJ 07005
Please be sure to include:
- Your child's full name and date of birth
- An explanation of why you would like your child evaluated
- Any example or detail of your concerns that you have
- Copies of any medical and/or Early Intervention evaluations
- Your contact information including address, phone number, and email
- Submission of letter with original signature
Acceptance of Electronic Mail Requests
NJ 6A:141.2(b)18 of the New Jersey Administrative Code requires that the Boonton Township Public Schools adopt a policy concerning the acceptance of electronic mail requests from parents/guardians regarding referral, identification, evaluation, classification, and the provision of a free, appropriate public education. Given that electronic mail does not guarantee authenticity of a submission from the legal guardian of a student, the Department of Special Services will continue to only accept requests with the original signature of a parent/guardian. Requests must continue to include the name of the student and parent/guardian, a mailing address, telephone number, and email address.
Special Education in New Jersey
If you are concerned about a preschool child or student (ages three through twenty-one) who may be developing or learning differently, you can call the Boonton Township Office of Special Services 973-334-4162 ext. 369.
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Topic
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Process
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Referral
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A referral is a written request for an evaluation that is given to the school district when it seems possible that a child may have a disability and might need special education and related services. Parents, school personnel and agencies concerned with the welfare of students may make a referral to the school district the student resides.
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Identification
Meeting
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Within 20 calendar days of receiving a referral, the school district must hold a meeting to decide whether an evaluation will be conducted. If the school district decides to conduct an evaluation the group will select the types of testing and other procedures that will be used to determine if the child needs special education services.
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Evaluation
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An evaluation is the process used to determine whether a child is eligible for special education and related services. The process includes a review of any relevant data, and the individual administration of any tests, assessments and observations of the child. At least two child study team members must participate in the initial evaluation along with any other specialists whose observations are necessary for a meaningful assessment of the child’s needs.
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Eligibility
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When the evaluation is completed, the school district holds a collaborative meeting to determine if the child is eligible for special education and related services. Prior to the meeting, the school district must give the parent a copy of the evaluation report(s) that will be used to determine the child’s eligibility. The parent must receive this information no less than 10 calendar days before the meeting. To be eligible for special education and related services:
- A student must have a disability according to one of the eligibility categories;
- The disability must adversely affect the student’s educational performance; and
- The student must be in need of special education and related services.
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Individualized
Education
Program
(IEP)
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After it is determined that a child is eligible for special education and related services, a meeting is held to develop the child’s IEP. The IEP is both a plan and a process. The plan is a written document that describes in detail a child’s special education program The process is the ongoing sharing of information between the family and school district to meet the child’s developmental and educational needs. The IEP should describe how the individual child currently performs and the child’s specific instructional needs. The IEP must include measurable annual goals and short term objectives or benchmarks. When parental consent is granted, the IEP is implemented as soon as possible following the IEP meeting and within 90 calendar days of school’s receipt of parental consent for the first evaluation.
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Annual
Review
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Annually, or more often if necessary, the IEP team will meet to review and revise the IEP and determine placement.
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Reevaluation
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A child must be reevaluated every three years, or sooner if conditions warrant, or if the parent or the child’s teacher requests it. Reevaluation is conducted when a change of eligibility is being considered.
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Parental
Consent
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When must the school district obtain parental consent?
- Before a child is evaluated for the first time to determine whether a child is eligible for special education;
- Before a child’s special education program begins for the first time;
- Before a child is tested as part of a reevaluation; and
- Before a child’s records are released to a person or organization that is not otherwise authorized to see them.
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