Office of Student Services
Contact: Marie Dalton, Director of Student Services
Address: 200 Old Farmingdale Road, West Babylon, NY 11704
Main Phone: (631) 376-7031
Preschool Phone: (631) 376-7035
Fax: (631) 376-7039
Email: mdalton@wbschools.org
The West Babylon School District is committed to providing a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities residing in the district.
The Committee of Special Education (CSE) is responsible for referrals of school age students suspected of having a disability between the ages of five (5) and twenty-one(21).
The Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) identifies programs and supports for children between the ages of three (3) and five (5) with a disability residing in the district.
The office of Student Services oversees:
- Special Education
- Psychological and Social Work Services
- Speech/Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Attendance
A Message from the District Director
Dear West Babylon Families,
Here in West Babylon we believe that all students have the ability to learn and grow. We understand that children acquire knowledge in different ways, and that it is our responsibility to discover the best way to reach each child. Student Services is committed to taking the time needed to understand our students’ strengths and interests because they provide the best “roadmap” to address their needs.
Throughout the school year, there will be many opportunities for you to interact with your child’s teachers and service providers. Please take advantage of each of these events as they will strengthen the “home-school” connection. We believe that building a strong partnership with our families leads to more positive and stronger outcomes for our students.
I look forward to meeting each of you throughout the year. Please know that I am available to speak with you at any time.
Respectfully,
Marie Dalton
Director of Student Services
Child Study Team/Referral
Children are referred to the CPSE/CSE if they are suspected of having a disability that adversely affects educational performance and ability to learn.
Requests for referrals are made in writing and include a referral source, the concerns of the parent and teachers, and instructionally relevant information that informs what evaluations and supports are needed. The school district ensures parent involvement and provides information about pre-referral academic intervention and support for the student prior to the referral.
Parents are engaged and provided the opportunity to communicate and collaborate during the referral and evaluation process. Parents and caregivers are consulted about their concerns for the child and the reason for referral. Informed consent for evaluation is requested in a timely manner.
Referral information is part of the child's educational record and must be maintained as confidential.
The CSE provides the parents with prior written notice, procedural safeguards notice and relevant information regarding the reason for referral and recommended evaluations, in clear and understandable language.
If you suspect your preschool child (ages 3-5) or your school age child (5-21) may have a disability, please call the Student Services 631-376-7031
Guiding Principles for IEP Development
- Child centered
- Shared responsibility/parental participation
- Special education is a service, not a place (LRE)
- General Education Curriculum/Standards and Assessments
- Based on individual strengths and needs
- Planning for adult outcomes
- Includes positive behavioral supports
- Tool to guide instruction and measure progress
The Student Services Department adheres to the philosophy that each individual with a disability is entitled to the support necessary to maximize his/her potential. We believe that every student is a valued member of our school community and are entitled to receive their education in the least restrictive environment. Our goal is to enable each student to utilize their personal strengths to become well-adjusted contributing members of society. Parents are our partners in education and together we can teach our students how to advocate for themselves. By fostering independence in our students we prepare them for success in college and/or career.