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Office of Special Education and Student Services

The Office of Special Education and Student Services is committed to upholding the district's vision of educating the whole child and is responsible for Special Education, Student Services, and Health Services within the District. Our department strives to provide balanced support for every student to ensure an outstanding educational experience. 

In order to meet the educational needs of all students, the District provides a variety of educational programs, a full range of evaluations, related services, and services to support the educational process in the following areas: 

  • Speech & Language Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Counseling
  • Consultant Teacher Services
  • Resource Room Services
  • Transition Services
  • Self-contained classroom settings
  • Home or hospital instruction
  • Hearing & Vision Services
  • Psycho-Educational Evaluations
  •  Academic Intervention Services
  • English as a Second Language Services
  • Alternative Education
  • Social Work Services
  • Health office services

Special Education consists of specifically designed instruction for students (ages 3-21 years) who are identified by either the district Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) or the Committee on Special Education (CSE) as having a disability that interferes with learning.  The CPSE and CSE are multidisciplinary teams of parents and professionals responsible for determining eligibility, coordinating evaluations, and recommending programs or services.  

The committees, appointed by and responsible to the Board of Education, hold meetings on a regular basis to respond to initial referrals.  The District is committed to identifying children with disabilities and providing necessary, appropriate services and support within the least restrictive environment. If you suspect your child has a disability, please contact the Office of Special Education and Student Services. 


Child Find

Child Find is a continuous process of public awareness activities, screening and evaluation designed to locate, identify, and refer as early as possible, young children with disabilities and their families who are in need of an Early Intervention Program or Preschool Special Education services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

To receive an Early Intervention Program or Special Education, children must meet eligibility guidelines according to IDEA. IDEA requires all states to have a “comprehension Child Find System” to assure that all children who are in need of early intervention or special education services are located, identified and referred. If you believe that your child may be a child with a disability or in need of support services, please contact the Pupil Services Office.


Section 504

Consistent with the District's policy against discrimination on the basis of disability, students with special needs who do not require special education services may receive accommodations and/or related services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Director of Special Education and Student Services serves as the District's Section 504 ADA Coordinator.

Administration

Jessica Emmerling

Jessica Emmerling

Director of Special Education and Student Services

Katrina Kaminski

Coordinator of Special Education and Student Services

Clerks / Secretaries

Cathleen Caruso

Senior Clerk Typist

Tina Orr

Senior Clerk Typist

Student Support Services

The Cheektowaga-Sloan District student support services offices are staffed with fully qualified, professionally certified staff. School social workers, counselors, and psychologists protect and promote student mental health, facilitate social-emotional well-being, and assist in advancing academic success. School mental health staff bridge mental health and education, provide care coordination, and advocate for quality student-centered care that focuses on educating the whole child. Please contact your child’s school student support staff to answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have.

School Social Workers

Alyssa Ernst

School Social Worker
Woodrow Wilson Elementary School

Heidi Kildal

School Social Worker
Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School

Jennifer Meyers

School Social Worker
John F. Kennedy Middle School

Jessica Stiglmeier

School Social Worker
John F. Kennedy High School

School Psychologists

Helena Destro

School Psychologist

Hannah Smith

School Psychologist