Special Education

Nassau BOCES offers a comprehensive array of special education programs for students who are moderately to severely disabled from three to 21. For each student, the Nassau BOCES program is the least restrictive environment. Each student is prepared to reach his or her potential and to become as independent and productive as possible.

To the greatest extent possible, the Noncategorical Programs offered by the Department of Special Education reflect the course of study students would experience were they to attend their local district schools.

Most students who attend these Noncategorical Programs are identified as having learning, emotional, behavioral or developmental disabilities. They are grouped in classes based on age, intellectual capacity, achievement, and social and behavioral compatibility. Students may follow a regular curriculum and earn either an IEP diploma or a high school diploma.

The Categorical Programs are for students with physical, vision, hearing or developmental disabilities. In the Categorical Programs, students, depending on their abilities, may earn either an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) diploma or a high school diploma. Some Nassau BOCES programs are located in school buildings owned or leased by the agency; in other cases, classes are held in local district schools and students have mainstreaming opportunities.

All BOCES program curriculum is adapted to meet the New York State Learning Standards and provides individualized instruction. Students' education is enriched by a wide variety of interactive community-based experiences. Many Nassau BOCES graduates enter the workforce or go on to post-secondary education. The Department of Special Education also offers extensive support services for districts, including itinerant services, consultation services and staff development.  

Contact:
Karen Ellis, Executive Director
kellis@mail.nasboces.org
516-396-2284

Dr. Carmine Scerra, Assistant Director
cscerra@mail.nasboces.org
516-396-2292