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Special Programs


Welcome to the Ridgewood Public Schools Office of Special Programs. Ridgewood Public Schools recognizes its responsibilities to locate, identify and provide appropriate services for students in the district who may have special needs and/or disabilities. These special services are administered by the Special Programs Office and are consistent with both State and Federal regulations, providing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Ridgewood's special programs include Basic Skills Instruction, English as a Second Language Instruction and Special Education programs and Related Services.

Child Study Team Services

Each school in Ridgewood is assigned a Child Study Team which consists of a Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant, a School Psychologist, a School Social Worker, and a Speech and Language Specialist. The team members provide a variety of services including assistance to classroom teachers, consultation with teachers and parents, counseling, and testing.  The Child Study Team are also responsible for determining eligibility for special education and related services, developing and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

Related Services

Assigned to each building is a certified related service providers, including speech and language specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, behaviorists, and counseling service providers whose responsibilities include consultation with classroom teachers and parents, conducting assessments, developing programs and providing therapy services to students who qualify for such services in public schools.

Least Restrictive Environment

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is the requirement in federal law that students with disabilities receive their education, to the maximum extent appropriate, with nondisabled peers and that special education students are not removed from regular classes unless, even with supplemental aids and services, education in regular classes cannot be achieved satisfactorily.  Every public school district is required to review each student's program regularly in order to ensure that they are being provided a free and appropriate public education, to the maximum extent possible, in the least restrictive setting.   

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Contact Us

Dr. Michelle Fenwick
Director of Special Programs
Preschool through 18-21
Phone: 201-670-2700 x10545
[email protected]


Mrs. Janel Nese
Supervisor of Special Education
Preschool - Grade 5 Elementary

201-670-2700 x10557

[email protected]



Ms. Amanda Znutas
Supervisor of Secondary Education
Grade 6 -12+
201-670-2700 x10556
[email protected]