Educational Support Services

Kindergarten thru 9th Grade

Special Education is an integral part of the educational system at Ocean Academy Charter School. We are pleased to provide an appropriate education for students with disabilities, in the least restrictive environment, in order to help all students reach their potential. We have available specialized programs and related services individualized to student needs.

Some of the services we provide are:

In-class support
Pull-out Support
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Reading Intervention
Child Study Team
Counseling

The Child Study Team Process

The Child Study Team consists of the following:

Educational Consultant
Psychologist
Social Worker
Speech/Language Specialist

The team's primary function is to evaluate and design appropriate programs for students who are experiencing learning, health and/or behavioral difficulties. The team members work closely with teachers and parents to develop an IEP (Individual Educational Plan) for each classified student. They monitor the progress of students and consult with parents, teachers, outside providers, and school administrators. Related services such as speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and behavioral consultation are provided depending upon the individual needs of the students.

All teachers differentiate instruction according to the student’s IEP. In addition, in all classrooms K-4th there is a paraprofessional and in 5th-7th one per grade level. Our trained paraprofessionals work under the direction of our teachers to provide support in classrooms and work with individual students.

If you have concerns about your child or want specific information about the referral process, please feel free to reach out by calling the school at 732-987-6525. We are happy to help.

Section 504 Accommodations

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a Federal mandate in which an individual (i) has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity; (ii) has a record of such an impairment; or (iii) is regarded as having such an impairment. This may include any disability, long-term illness, or various disorders that “substantially” reduces or lessens a student’s ability to access education because of a learning-, behavior- or health-related condition. As a result, these students, regardless of their intelligence, will be unable to fully demonstrate their ability or attain educational benefits equal to that of non-disabled students.

A doctor’s referral is the first step in the 504 process. Each child's needs are determined individually and accommodations put in place, dependent upon what is appropriate. These accommodations are based on the nature of the disabling condition and what that child needs in order to have an equal opportunity to compete when compared to the non-disabled. The ultimate goal is to give students the knowledge and compensating skills they will need to be able to function in the educational setting.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do I refer my child to the Child Study Team?

You may write a letter stating your concerns and requesting an evaluation. The letter must have your signature.

2. How long does the evaluation process take?

Once the referral is received in the Special Services department, the CST will arrange a meeting with you within 20 days. The purpose of the meeting will be to listen to your concerns and determine if a disability is suspected and if an evaluation is warranted. If an evaluation is agreed upon, the evaluations and an eligibility meeting must be scheduled within 90 days.

3. Where do I find more information about special education and parental rights?

Parental Rights in Special Education

English (PRISE): https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/form/prise/FullPRISE.pdf

Spanish (PRISE): https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/parents/docs/prise_s_2016.pdf

New Jersey Administrative Code: https://www.state.nj.us/education/code/current/title6a/chap14.pdf