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Special Education

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:


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 Kitchen Assisting (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
 
 
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
 
Team I
Nicole Halligan
Social Worker

(973) 389-4156
  Rachel Portelli
Leaning Disability Teacher Consultant

(973) 790-6000 ext. 5039
  Aislyn Cardona
Psychologist

(973) 389-4253(AR)
  Maria Donohue
Psychologist

(973) 389-4250(AR)
 
Team II
Aurora Rangel de la Carrera
Secretary

(973) 389-4244
  Danielle Borejko
Social Worker

(973) 389-4249
  Dana Bascietto
Learning Disability Teacher Consultant

(973) 389-4247
  Emily Sturtz
Psychologist

(973) 790-6000 ext. 5020
 
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
 
Team IV
Francesa Holguin
Secretary

(973) 389-7233
  Lorena Hincapie
Social Worker

(973) 389-4252
  Fatima Ramirez
Learning Disability Teacher

(973) 389-4131
  Michael O'Brien
Psychologist

(973) 389-7228
  Selena Justice
Psychologist

(973) 790-6000 ext. 5021