The Putnam Valley Central School District is committed to educating students with disabilities within its own schools, whenever appropriate.  The Committee on Special Education and the Committee on Preschool Special Education shall recommend services that provide for a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) based on the individual learning needs of the student within the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). All school-aged students with disabilities shall have equal access and opportunity to participate in the curricular and extracurricular programs of the district.

Our Program objectives are:

• To foster growth and independence in academic, social and emotional domains for students with disabilities.

• To continue to provide in-class services and supports which enable students with disabilities to be educated within the least restrictive environment.

• To promote a positive self-image for students with disabilities.

• To work cooperatively with the staff of the BOCES and private schools which serve students placed by the Putnam Valley Central School District Committee on Special Education and the Committee on Preschool Special Education to ensure effective programming for students educated outside of the district.

• To constantly review out-of-district placements to determine what we would need to do to serve them in-district.

• To encourage social interactions and mutual understanding between disabled and non-disabled students.

• To further an understanding of differing abilities among staff, students and the community.

• To encourage involvement and support for parents of students with disabilities.

• To provide ongoing consultation and in-service training for school personnel who work with students with disabilities.

• To facilitate the transition from high school to post secondary education programs and/or to employment.

• To continue to assess the efficacy of our district special education program in meeting the needs of the students.

• To develop innovative options for serving students with disabilities which reflect current research on effective practices.

As we forge ahead with these objectives in mind, we are committed to having all students meet the high standards as set forth by the New York State Education Department.  We hope this website will offer students and their parents with information that will assist them to be successful.