Special Education means specially designed individualized or group instruction or special services or programs provided at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Special education programs and services are designed to assure that children with disabilities receive appropriate and equal opportunities for educational growth.

The Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) department is responsible for the evaluation, placement and service provision of and for students with disabilities as defined by the Part 200 of the Commissioner’s Regulations and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). This act mandates a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Special Education services are available through the Committee on Preschool Special Education for preschool-age students (ages 3-5) and the Committee on Special Education for school-age students (ages 5-21) as prescribed under the Commissioner’s Regulations Section 200.6.

The function of these committees is to determine if handicapping conditions exist, and to make recommendations to the Florida Union Free School District Board of Education regarding special education placement and/or related services. All information is kept confidential and is accessible only with parental permission.

Click here to read the Special Education District Plan.

Information regarding Procedural safeguards and Complaint procedures can be found here
Procedural Safeguards
Complaint Procedures Q and A
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Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a systemic, evidence-based, continuous
school improvement framework in which data-based problem-solving and
decision-making are practiced across all levels of the educational system. Every
Student Succeeds Act defines MTSS as a comprehensive continuum of
evidence-based, systemic practices to support a rapid response to students’ needs
(e.g., academic, behavioral, emotional, social, physical, and mental health) with regular
observations to help data-based instructional decision-making that supports all learners.
It ensures fair access to a rigorous, robust, high-quality education from the time
students begin school and continues throughout their education.

Please see the district plan here (link here)
District MTSS Plan

Section 504 is a civil rights statute that requires schools, public or private, who receive federal financial assistance for educational purposes, not discriminate against children with disabilities. Schools must provide these students with reasonable accommodations comparable to those provided to their peers under the rulings of Section 504. Students with a disability that substantially limits a major life function may be eligible for accommodations under a Section 504 plan.

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For a print copy of the School Counseling Guidance Plan, please contact the district office at (845) 651-3095.

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The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has developed a Family Resource Toolkit to provide guidance and resources for parents with concerns about their child’s behavior or development. The toolkit provides:

• Resources with tips and suggestions to support the child and family.
• Guides on how to access community resources.
• Printable resources, such as the attached roadmap poster.

Visit OMH’s Family Resource Toolkit for more details.

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