Child Study Team

The Child Study Team (CST) is a group of professionals hired by the district to determine the most appropriate educational program for children classified with disabilities according to NJ code N.J.A.C., 6A: 14. In our district, the basic Child Study Team consists of a school psychologist, a learning disabilities teacher consultant (LDT-C), and a school social worker. Other professional staff members (speech therapists, teachers, counselors, administrators, behavior analysts, occupational therapists, physical therapists) may also be asked to participate in child study team evaluations. In Teaneck, each school has a CST, however, some members serve more than one school.

Each child in the district will be assigned a Case Manager from one of these Child Study Teams. The Case manager should be the primary contact for coordinating services and scheduling the annual IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings. Planning the Individualized Education Program for a child is a team processes, combining the expertise and recommendations from multiple sources. Parent participation is also a critical component of the process. The parent is the one most familiar with the health, academic history, special skills and talents, learning and behavioral needs of the child.

Special Education Professionals

Behavior Analyst

Behavior analysts specialize in identifying, analyzing and the remediation of challenging behaviors. Behavior specialists conduct comprehensive assessments including interviews, and observations in order to identify the function and environmental contribution to the occurrence of problem behaviors. These specialists will develop behavioral intervention plans and collaborate with and/or train additional team members (teachers, therapists, aides) that can implement the treatment. The behavior analyst will also analyze and evaluate data to determine if the treatment has been successful, or if modifications are needed. Board Certified Behavior Analysts will have “BCBA” credentials following their name. These individuals have passed a certification examination in addition to fulfilling degree and treatment requirements. Behavior ‘specialists’ may be implementing treatment programs with on-the-job training, despite not being certified. However, the treatment program is typically being managed by a behavior analyst.

Learning Disabilities-Teacher Consultant

The Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C) specializes in conducting educational assessments including but not limited to, an evaluation of the nature and causes of learning disabilities as well as a determination of the student’s educational strengths and areas in need of improvement on a functional level. The LDT-C must have the professional preparation to make assessments, analyses, and classifications of students’ learning differences; understand and implement special education law; plan and facilitate delivery of programs for children with learning differences; transfer specific and successful instructional techniques to classroom teachers through consultation, collaboration, and in-service education; and effectively communicate with parents, teachers and administrators

Occupational Therapist

The school-based occupational therapist (OT) will conduct formal evaluations to identify deficits in fine motor skills that impact participation in school activities. OTs are the key practitioners for the implementation of the treatment interventions. Occupational therapists use purposeful activity to facilitate a child's active participation in self-maintenance; academic and vocational pursuits; and play or leisure activities that occur in school environments. Occupational therapists may recommend assistive technology and environmental modifications that will facilitate implementation a child's special education program.

Physical Therapist

The school-based physical therapist (PT) will conduct formal evaluations to identify deficits in gross motor skills that impact participation in school activities as well as provide the treatment interventions. The PT will focus on the child’s ability to move as independently as possible through the school environment and participate in classroom activities. Physical therapy interventions may emphasize balance, safety, the ability to maintain and change positions in the classroom; as well as locomotion through the hallways, stairs, restrooms, and the cafeteria.

School Psychologist

The school psychologist consults with teachers, parents, and school personnel about learning, social and behavior problems. The psychologist specializes in performing assessments that are intended to assess the intellectual, social, and emotional development of the student. The school psychologist may also intervene directly with counseling services for students and families.

Social Worker

The social worker specializes in evaluations of the family and community factors which contribute to the student’s problem and other factors that may serve as supportive resources. School social workers provide individual and group counseling, consultation to teachers, and other services, which help students, cope with their disabilities. They collaborate with community agencies and provide case management for students and families requiring multiple services.

Speech/Language Specialist

The Speech/Language Specialist, also referred to as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), will screen children that may be at risk for a communication disorder. They will also conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine current speech and language development and therapeutic needs. The SLP provides therapy to those identified as being eligible for speech-language services.