Special Services

Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) is an interdisciplinary team of professionals within the school environment who come together throughout the school year to formulate coordinated services and team delivery systems to address the full range of student learning, behavior, social, and health problems in the general education program as well as for students determined to be in need of special education programs and services. According to N.J.A.C 6A:16-8.1,8.2 the goal of the committee is to see measurable student improvement in the identified targeted areas. Staff members refer students to the I&RS Committee through the building principal or school counselor.  The I&RS Committee develops an Action Plan containing goals, interventions, and sometimes a timeline for the plan's duration.

The I&RS committee follows a multidisciplinary approach with a well-articulated system of supportive activities and services for staff who have identified student difficulties and those who will be involved in the progress monitoring.

https://www.state.nj.us/education/students/safety/behavior/irs/

For a student to be recognized as a disabled person and qualify for a Section 504 Plan, the student must meet three criteria: (1) a mental or physical impairment, (2) which substantially limits, (3) one or more major life activities. If the student has an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, the impairment is a qualifying disability if it creates a barrier to the student’s ability to access the same educational opportunities afforded to non-disabled students. It is important to understand that all three criteria must be met before the student is eligible for a Section 504 Plan. 

It is vital to understand that for a student to qualify for a Section 504 Plan, the impairment must substantially limit or impose, to a “considerable” or “large degree,” a limitation to one or more major life activities.

The 504 Team will consider all relevant information, including the nature and severity of the disability as well as how long the disability is expected to last. Simply having a condition or disability does not automatically qualify a student for Section 504 protection. The condition must present a barrier to the student’s ability to access the same educational opportunities as that afforded a non-disabled student, or a substantial limitation does not exist.

For more information about Section 504 Plans and the 504 process, contact your building principal or school counselor.

https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/section504/