Welcome to the Lenape Valley Regional High School Department of Special Services. Our mission is to provide a high-quality education to our students with disabilities. We are committed to providing a caring and creative environment, that meets the individual needs of each child.

Our goal is to help our students achieve academic success, while also taking into account their social and emotional development and individual needs. We want our students to develop post-secondary college and career goals while encouraging positive social, emotional, and character development. Case managers work collaboratively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and the community at large, to provide a support system that meets the varied needs of our students.

What is the referral process?

A referral is "the written request for an initial evaluation to determine whether a student is eligible for" (NJAC 6A:14-1.3) special education and related services. A referral is made when one suspects a student may have a disability that may require special education services.

Who can make a referral?

• Parents

• School personnel

• Agencies concerned with the welfare of students

When should a referral be made?

Most often, students who present with needs are brought to the attention of the RTI (Response to Intervention) committee before a referral. The committee develops interventions that will address the difficulties that the student is experiencing in the general education classroom. RTI is a general education intervention. If a parent refers their child to the CST for evaluation, a meeting is held with members of the CST and the parent to explain concerns, and the RTI process begins. If RTI interventions are not effective, the student may be evaluated by the CST. The referral process always begins with RTI.

What is the need for RTI?

This committee is in place to assist general education students who are struggling. Committees are made up of teachers, administrators, and other relevant school personnel who monitor student's strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies to assist the student in the classroom. RTI (Response to Intervention), is also a tool we can use before more formal evaluations to help students with their emotional needs.

What happens when a referral is made?

Within 20 calendar days of receiving a referral, the school district must hold a meeting to decide whether an evaluation will be conducted. Generally speaking, this is when the RTI process will begin. If an evaluation is conducted, another decision is made about the types of testing and other procedures that will be used to determine if your child needs special education services. With written consent, the team will complete all evaluations and hold an eligibility conference within 90 days. If determined eligible for special education and related services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) can be developed. If an evaluation will not be conducted, recommendations may be made concerning interventions or services to be provided to the student in general education.

Upcoming Meeting Dates and Proposed Topics:

October 24, 2024 - An overview of the DDD service system (flyer)

Online Presentation @ 7 pm

Upcoming Meetings Dates, Times, & Topics To Be Determined

Lenape Valley Special Education Parents Advisory Group (SEPAG) Facebook Page

Lenape Valley Special Education Parents Advisory Group (SEPAG) Bylaws

• Parental Rights in Special Education

• N.J.A.C. 6A:14, Special Education Code

• New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)

• Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

• Release of Records Form

• College Board Consent Form for Accommodations Request

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at Sussex County Community College

• Accessibility Services at County College of Morris