Special Education Programs & Services at PCTVS
The Superintendent and Board of Education at Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools are dedicated to serving the needs of classified students throughout the county.These students are eligible for special education services with individual Educational Plans (IEP).
Our Mission
Through the concerted efforts of the Child Study Team members, speech therapists, crisis counselors, and transition coordinator, we strive to assist students in developing to their full potential both in academic and vocational areas so that they can take their places as contributing members of the community and the nation. We encourage the development of self-aware young adults who can advocate for themselves in the future.
Child Study Team
The needs of classified students are overseen by the Child Study Team Department. PCTVS has four Child Study Teams – each team consists of a psychologist, a social worker, and a learning disability teacher consultant. Each classified student has a case manager who is one of the members of the Child Study Team. The case managers ensure that the students receive an appropriate educational & vocational program that meets their unique needs. Academic options are considered on an individual basis at every Annual Review Meeting.
A directory of the PCTVS Child Study Team can be found here.
Educational Programs
The classified students at PCTVS are afforded a variety of academic options. These include:
- General Education Courses – with modifications provided as stipulated in the student’s IEP
- In Class Support General Education Courses – These classes have both a general education content area teacher as well as a certified Teacher of Students with Disabilities.
- Resource Center Courses – Replacement classes based on the general education curricula for those students in need of slightly modified curricula, smaller classes, and employing diverse modalities.
- Language and/or Learning Disability Courses – Replacement classes for learners who need a high modified curriculum and slower pacing.
- Deaf Education Program – Classes taught in all academic areas by teachers of the Deaf utilizing American Sign Language as the basis for communication.
Vocational Programs
Classified students apply to and are accepted into all the vocational programs offered at PCTVS for which they are qualified. In addition to the full range of general education vocational areas, there are programs in three vocational areas that are open to only classified students: Construction/Carpentry (an adjunct of the Construction Trades Program), Business/Marketing (an adjunct of the Business Program), and Culinary (an adjunct of the Culinary Arts Program).
Related Services
Speech and Language Therapy
PCTVS has two speech language who provide speech and language therapy. Services are provided both within and outside of the classroom setting to best meet each student's individual needs. The therapists also work closely with subject area teachers and have an in depth understanding of the curriculum to ensure that therapy goals are targeting skills that address the student’s academic and functional communication needs.
Counseling
PCTVS provides counseling through the services of the Child Study Team members, guidance counselors, Crisis Counselor and SAC personnel. These services range from group counseling sessions, that deal with the common age-related issues our students are struggling with, to, more intensive, one-on-one counseling sessions, for those in need of greater support.
Transition Services
The Transition Coordinator is responsible for assisting students in developing and moving into their post-graduation plans.
Sign Language Interpretation
New Jersey certified Educational Interpreters for the Deaf accompany all hearing-impaired students into classes that do not have a teacher of the Deaf.
Child Find
For information about the Child Find program, click here.
Child Study Team
Michele Rizzo Director of Special Education (973) 389-4197 |
Tamara Brown Executive Secretary (973) 389-4258 |
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Jamisin Saracino Crisis Counselor (973) 389-2053 |
Lourdes Lopez Transition Coordinator (973) 389-4248 |
Sarah Baldino Speech (973) 389-2053 |
Stacie Bennett Speech (973) 389-2052 |
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Team III | ||||||
Chantel Alva Secretary (973) 389-4243 |
Marybel Hernandez Social Worker (973) 389-4254 |
Joseph DeGiacomo Learning Disability Teacher (973) 389-4251 |
Jennifer Limekiller Psychologist (973) 389-4246 |
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