There is much to learn about when it comes to the extensive special education programs offered to qualifying students in the Glen Cove Public Schools. On Monday, February 2nd, 2009, guest speakers Mary Murphy, Director of Special Education, and Diane Ditchfield, Assistant Director of Special Education, brought their knowledge and expertise to share with members of the Coalition for Glen Cove.
There are currently 452 students receiving special education services in the district. In addition, there are approximately 100 pre-school children who have been identified and benefit greatly from early intervention in their area of disability.
The New York State list of disabilities for special education include the following: autism, deafness, deaf-blindness, emotional disturbances, hearing impairment, learning disability, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic, other health impairment, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment including blindness.
Ms. Murphy explained the goal is to meet the educational needs of each student in the least restrictive setting. Most children are able to remain in a regular classroom with the help of “inclusion” teachers who are skilled at working with the classroom teacher to design learning experiences tailored to the special education student’s IEP or Individualized Education Plan. Some children participate in a “pullout” program such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. Others receive extra small-group instruction time in the areas of math and English in a “resource room” setting for part of the day. A very small number of highly impaired children attend special programs outside of the district at specially designated BOCES programs.
Special Education has changed in the last decade. Parents and educators know the value of getting help and providing help for the children as soon as a disability is identified.
Special Education programs are a crucial part of making sure every child reaches their social, emotional, and academic potential in life.