Schools
Library Plans Program to Help De-Mystify the Classification Process
Panel discussion to aid parents of children with disabilities, learning disorders or impairments
The Ocean County Library has assembled a child study team -- a school psychologist, school social worker and learning disabilities teacher consultant -- for a program on the classification process -- the way school districts determine the resources children with disabilities need to receive full educational opportunities.
"The School Classification Process: Children with Different Abilities" will be held at the Lacey Branch 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 14.
The program was organized by Lori Sansone, a principal library assistant, circulation supervisor with Ocean County Library. The target audience is parents of pre-kindergarten to grade 12 students with special needs, who are classified or might be classified in the future, she said.
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"The process can seem overwhelming and parents may have questions and may want to speak with professionals," said Sansone. "Many times parents have the same challenges processing information as the child, so if it's explained differently, it can help."
The program will provide information about the classification process used by schools, including Individualized Education Plans, cognitive and educational testing and parental rights.
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"The more information that a parent has, the better off they are," said Sansone. "Once armed with more information, they will feel more comfortable with it."
The program was timed for early in the year because a lot of classifications come up at this time. If a student had a problem in the fall, testing would take place now if the student is not already classified, she said.
General education teachers also can benefit from the information, as well as earn continuing education credits. Ocean County Library is a New Jersey Department of Education Professional Development Provider. Certificates of attendance will be given.
To register, call the Lacey Branch at (609) 693-8566 or click here.
The program will be offered again on Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Toms River Branch. To register, call 732-349-6200 or click here.
