Berkeley Township School District

The School Psychologist is a qualified member of the Child Study Team who works in a collaborative manner with educators and parents to meet the needs of students. Psychological evaluations are conducted by the School Psychologist and these evaluations determine a student's intellectual, developmental, social/emotional and behavioral status.

The Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC) assesses a child's academic levels, learning needs and strengths and transfers specific instructional techniques to classroom teachers through consultation and collaboration.

The School Social Worker evaluates a child's developmental history, home environment and acts as a liaison between the home, school, community and outside service agencies.  

The Speech and Language Specialist evaluates children in order to determine eligibility for services in the school setting. For those children who are eligible, the Speech and Language Specialist prepares written diagnostic reports, provides services, and is a resource person to parents, teachers, and administrators.

Special Education Parent Advisory Groups are required for all school districts in New Jersey. The purpose of these groups is to provide opportunities for parents and community members to offer input to their districts on critical issues. New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14-1.2(h) states that: Each board of education shall ensure that a special education parent advisory group is in place in the district to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities.

Mission:

The mission of the Berkeley Township School District Special Education Parent Advisory Committee is to facilitate communication between parents, staff, the Board of Education, and the community, regarding the district's special education programs, to provide families with meaningful support, education and information and to provide input to the District on issues concerning students with disabilities.

Role:  

• To increase the involvement of families of children with special needs.  
• To advise on issues that affect the education, health, and safety of students with special needs.

Who Should Attend Meetings?  

• Anyone with a student or students in The Berkeley Township School District with special needs.  
• Anyone with a student or students eligible for or receiving services under an IEP or 504 plan.

Please note that meetings are not the forum for a discussion about individual students or your child's IEP. Topics are limited to those that impact all students or a group of students. Additionally, these meetings are for parents only. It is not appropriate to have your child attend these meetings. If you have concerns that you would like to share with the Director of Pupil-Special Services or a specific concern about your child's program, please contact your child’s case manager.

The Berkeley Township School District offers comprehensive special education programs and services in cooperation with other school districts and private schools for children with special needs.  It is the mission of the Berkeley Township Schools to provide services for students in the least restrictive environment and when possible, provide support in a general education setting.

Special education programs offered in the Berkeley Township School District include:

• General education with supplementary aids and services - A student is in the general education setting with supports. Modifications and supports are implemented to assist the student.
• In-Class Resource - A student is in the general education setting with the support of two teachers -- a general education and special education teacher.  Modifications are implemented to support the student.
• Pull-out Resource/Replacement - A student is instructed in a small group setting which stresses small group and individualized instruction in a particular subject for a few hours a week. The Resource Program offers instruction in place of, or in support of, the general education classroom to help each student learn in the best environment.