Assistance available for children with special needs
SUSSEX COUNTY Assistance is available to children with developmental delays or disabilities through county agencies or local school districts depending on age. The New Jersey Early Intervention System , under the Division of Family Health Services, implements New Jersey's statewide system of services for infants and toddlers from birth to age three having developmental delays or disabilities. Parents who believe that their infant or toddler may be experiencing developmental delays, can make a referral by calling the Regional System Point of Entry toll free number at 1-888-653-4463. If found to be eligible, various services can be provided to the family and child. For children aged 3 to 21, all Sussex County school districts offer varied educational programs and services. If parents suspect that their 3- to 5-year-old old child may be experiencing physical, sensory, emotional, communication, cognitive and/or social delays, they should contact their resident school district to discuss the services offered. The District’s Child Study Team will make arrangements to evaluate the child. If found eligible, an Individualized Education Program will be developed to provide the child with an appropriate plan. For school aged children, parents should discuss concerns about their child’s progress with the child’s teacher, guidance counselor, and/or principal. Parents have the option of either making a referral to the Intervention and Referral Services Committee or to the Child Study Team. The Intervention and Referral Services Committee offers intervention procedures that are provided within the regular education school program. At times, however, more extensive interventions than can be provided in a regular education setting are necessary to assist the student. Parents then have the option of requesting a full Child Study Team evaluation in which the child’s social, psychological, and academic status may be assessed. If necessary, medical or other specialized evaluations may be included in the assessment. If a child is found to be eligible for special education and related services, an Individualized Education Program is developed. This document includes a rationale for the student’s educational placement and the details of the child’s educational program. The following is a listing of all Sussex County Child Study Team offices/phone numbers: Andover Regional 973-940-1234 Byram Township 973-347-1047 Frankford Township 973-948-3727 Franklin Borough 973-827-9775 Fredon Township 973-383-4151 Green Township 973-300-3800 Hamburg Borough 973-827-8849 Hampton Township 973-383-2714 Hardyston Township 973-823-7000 High Point Regional 973-875-3101 Hopatcong Borough 973-770-8821 Kittatinny Regional 973-383-1800 Lafayette Township 973-875-3344 Lenape Valley Regional 973-347-7600 Montague Elementary School 973-293-7131 Newton Public Schools 973-383-7307 Ogdensburg Public Schools 973-827-7126 Sandyston Walpack Consolidated 973-948-4450 Sparta Township Schools 973-729-3165 Stanhope Borough 973-347-0008 Stillwater Public School 973-383-6171 Sussex County Charter School 973-383-6700 Sussex Wantage Regional 973-875-3175 Sussex County Technical School 973-383-6700 Vernon Township 973-764-2935 Wallkill Valley Regional 973-827-4100