Karen Ellis, Executive Director
(516) 396-2287
Fax: (516) 997-8778
kellis@mail.nasboces.org

The Nassau BOCES Department of Special Education offers a comprehensive array of special education programs for students from infant to 21 years of age who are moderately to severely disabled and serves approximately 2,000 students with varying individual needs and abilities from the 56 school districts of Nassau County.

Some Nassau BOCES Special Education programs are conducted at the eleven Nassau BOCES schools while others are offered at local district schools where students have mainstreaming opportunities.

Based on the needs of the students, different types of programs are offered. Students with learning, emotional, behavioral, physical, vision, hearing or developmental disabilities are provided with individualized instruction and served in classes based on age, intellectual capacity, achievement, and social and behavioral compatibility. Depending on their abilities, students may follow a regular curriculum and earn a Regents, high school or IEP (Individualized Education Plan) diploma.

The curriculum follows the New York State Learning Standards and Performance Indicators and is enriched by a wide variety of interactive community-based experiences. Many Nassau BOCES graduates enter the workforce or go on to postsecondary education. The Department of Special Education also offers extensive support services for districts, including itinerant services, consultation services and staff development. The Nassau BOCES Department of Special Education has proven its ability to serve special needs students and offers them the greatest possible opportunity to reach their potential and participate in community life.