Special Education Services

The Department of Special Education Services provides services to students with disabilities. Special Education programs are located in all East Orange School District schools, select preschool provider sites, and out-of-district schools for students with disabilities. The programs provide services for eligible students aged 3–21 years old. We offer the following in-district special education programs: Self-Contained Learning Disabilities, Self-Contained Autism, Self-Contained Multiple Disabilities, Self-Contained Emotional Regulation Impairment, Self-Contained Cognitive Impaired (mild/moderate), Self-Contained Preschool Disabilities, and Inclusion.

The Department of Special Education Services also provides related/supportive services to special needs students as noted in their Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

Project Child Find

Project Child Find is a referral and awareness service of through the New Jersey Department of Education that aims to assist in identifying unserved/underserved youth with a delay or disability from birth through twenty-one years of age.

Assistance for Families of Infants and Toddlers (Birth to 2)

If you are concerned about your child's development, you may direct all requests regarding Early Intervention to the Essex County Special Child Health Case Management Unit at 973-395-8836 or by calling the Project CHILD FIND Hotline at 1-800-322-8174.

When you call, a service coordinator will listen to your concerns and will describe services and other resources that may be available to you and your family. The early intervention service coordinator may arrange for your child to have a developmental evaluation at no cost to you. The assessment will determine if your child is eligible for early intervention services, which can help to meet a child’s developmental needs.

Preschool Children and Students (Ages 3 -5)

The East Orange School District is prepared to assist your family in transitioning your child to public school from Early Intervention on their third birthday. If you have concerns about your preschool child's development and you have been involved with Early Intervention, you may contact our office at 862-233-7300 and select the option for Special Services to discuss transition planning.

School-Age Children and Students (Ages 6-21)

If you would like an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education and related services, please submit a written request to the Director of Special Education Services. Include your child’s name, age, current school, suspected or known disability, your home address, and a contact phone number. After receiving your written request, the Child Study Team has twenty days to meet with you. At that time, you (the parent(s)/guardian) and the Child Study Team will determine what evaluations should be conducted.

To the maximum extent appropriate, preschoolers and students with disabilities will receive their education with their non-disabled peers.

Section 504 Plans

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law designed to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to education in K–12 public schools that receive federal funding. Section 504 protects students from discrimination and requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations and supports so that students can participate fully in academic programs, extracurricular activities, and all aspects of school life.

A Section 504 Plan is developed for students who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, or physical functioning, but who do not require specialized instruction under an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The purpose of a 504 Plan is to remove barriers and provide access, not to change academic standards. If a student is found eligible, a written 504 Plan will be developed that outlines specific accommodations and supports tailored to the student’s needs.

Section 504 Plans are implemented by school staff and are reviewed annually in EOSD to ensure they remain appropriate as a student’s needs change. Families are encouraged to participate in the process and collaborate with the school team to support student success.

If you are interested in learning more about Section 504 Plans and accommodations for your student, please contact your school nurse or the District Head Nurse, Ms. Helen Alarcon ([email protected]).

Enrollment Procedures for Special Education Students

Students who are new or returning to the East Orange School District with an IEP (Individualized Educational Program) may enroll throughout the year upon establishing legal residence in the City of East Orange. The student's parent/guardian must register through the Department of Special Services.

After residency is verified, with the Department of Special Services will contact you to set up an in-person meeting to determine your child's placement. Your child must attend this meeting with you.

Department of Special Services

199 4th Avenue

East Orange, NJ 07018

Telephone: 973-266-5785

BEFORE CONTACTING TO BEGIN ENROLLMENT, complete all steps at this LINK.

Special Services Department Leadership


Director Send Email	Assistant Director Send Email

Supervisor of Compliance Send Email	Supervisor of Programs Send Email


	Head Administrative Assistant (862) 233-7300 ext.28230 Send Email
	Administrative Assistants
Geria Brown Administrative Assistant	Constance Lord Administrative Assistant	Candayce Muhammad Bookkeeper
(862) 233-7300 ext.28229 Send Email	(862) 233-7300 ext.28225 Send Email	(862) 233-7300 ext.28337 Send Email
Shawna Salter Administrative Assistant		Aisha Smith Administrative Assistant
(862) 233-7300 ext.28228 Send Email		(862) 233-7300 ext.28227 Send Email

New Jersey Department of Education Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE)

Extended School Year Summer Program 2026

ESY Letter to Parents

Helpful Links for Community-Based Support

SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) meets once per month.

For more information about SEPAC - including meeting dates - please email: [email protected]