Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS)
WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION |
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Important phone numbers to know:
* CN Guidance Community Crisis Center - 516-390-6544 | * Center for Hope - 516-216-5194 |
* South Shore Child Guidance Center - 516-868-3030 | * National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Call or Text 988 |
* Long Island Crisis Center - 516-679-1111 | * Northwell Crisis Support 631-608-5885 |
* South Oaks Hospital Admissions - 631-608-5885 | * Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 800-662-HELP |
* Cohen Children’s Medical Center Pediatric Behavioral Health Urgent Care - 718-470-3148 | * Nassau County Mobile Crisis Team - 516-227-8255 |
* Cohen Children’s Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department - 718-470-3768 | * If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255 [tel:8002738255], text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources. |
A Message from Our Director
The East Meadow School District is committed to supporting the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs of all students in an inclusive learning environment.
Our multidisciplinary teams in each school work collaboratively with students, families, staff, and administrators to address individual needs and promote meaningful educational progress for every child. The District provides a full continuum of special education programs and services for eligible students.
Special education evaluations, eligibility determinations, and program recommendations are overseen by the following committees:
Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
Preschool Special Education (Ages 3-5)
If you have concerns about your child's development or learning, you may make a written referral to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) through the CPSE Chairperson.
Committee on Special Education (CSE)
School-Age Special Education
If you have concerns about your school-age child's academic, behavioral, social-emotional, or educational progress, please speak with your child's teacher, school psychologist, principal, or another member of the school team. If you suspect that your child may have a disability that affects learning, you may also make a written referral to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or your building administrator.
We value families as essential partners in the special education process. Parents and guardians are important members of the CPSE and CSE and play an active role in evaluation, planning, and decision-making. We encourage families to share their knowledge, ask questions, and access available resources, including the East Meadow Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) and the parent training workshops offered throughout the school year by our special education and PPS staff.
Our goal is to ensure that every student has access to the appropriate supports, educational opportunities, and inclusive learning experiences needed to succeed. By working closely with our families, educators, and community partners, we strive to help each student learn, grow, and reach their highest potential in school and beyond.
Meet the Department of Special Education
Joane Vincent
Lauren McGovern
Asst. Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS)
Kathleen Hannan
Maureen Miller
Child Find
Under IDEA and New York State regulations, each school district is required to establish procedures to locate and identify students who may need special education or Section 504 services. The district is responsible for identifying, locating, and evaluating all children aged 3 to 21 who are suspected of having a disability and may be eligible for special education services, including children who reside within the East Meadow School District but are not currently enrolled in our programs.
If you know of a child living in the East Meadow School District who may have a disability and require Special Education or Section 504 services, please contact the building principal or the Office of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services at 516-478-5541.
Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
The Preschool Special Education Committee oversees the identification and delivery of services to children needing specialized education before entering kindergarten, covering ages 3 to 5. Eligibility is decided based on a comprehensive assessment that comes at no cost to families. The East Meadow School District's Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) is responsible for determining eligibility, suggesting suitable special education or related services, and crafting an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each qualified child. The administration of the Preschool Special Education Programs for 3 to 5-year-old children with disabilities in New York State is managed by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) through local school districts. The Nassau County Department of Health collaborates with providers and funds these services alongside NYSED.
If you have any questions concerning special education support services for a pre-school aged student, please contact:
Ms. Carrie Kelsey
CPSE Chairperson
Please see the link below to register your child in the East Meadow School District.
Special Education Programs
All special education services are recommended by the Committee on Special Education (CSE) based on each student’s individual needs and are provided in consideration of the least restrictive environment (LRE).
Related Services:
Related services are provided based on individual student needs and may include speech and language, counseling, parent training, occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy (PT).
Resource Room:
The Resource Room Program provides supplemental instruction in a small group setting. Resource room teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to provide targeted instruction and support aligned with students’ IEP goals. The instructional group is limited to no more than five students to one teacher.
Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT):
ICT provides specialized instruction within a general education classroom to a group of students with disabilities alongside their general education peers. A general education teacher and a special education teacher work collaboratively and share responsibility for planning, instruction, and supporting the learning of all students.
Consultant Teacher Program:
The Consultant Teacher Program supports students with disabilities within general education classrooms. Special education teachers provide direct or indirect support and collaborate with general education teachers to adapt instruction, materials, and learning environments to meet individual student needs.
Special Classes:
Special classes provide specialized instruction in a setting designed to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities. Instruction remains aligned with general education standards while incorporating appropriate accommodations, modifications, and instructional supports. Class size and student-to-teacher ratios are determined by the CSE based on student needs and may include 8:1:3, 12:1:2, or 15:1:1.
Suicide Prevention Resources
