Special Education & Section 504

At Keene Central School, we value strong partnerships with families and believe that clear communication and collaboration are essential to supporting student success.

Families can expect:

• A Collaborative Process
  You will be an active partner in the development and review of your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Your input is valued and plays an important role in decision-making.
• Regular Communication
  Our team will maintain ongoing communication to share progress, address concerns, and celebrate growth. We encourage families to reach out at any time with questions or feedback.
• Individualized Supports
  Services and supports are tailored to meet each student’s unique needs, building on strengths while addressing areas for growth.
• Access to the General Education Curriculum
  Whenever appropriate, students receive support within the general education setting to promote inclusion and meaningful participation.
• A Focus on Growth and Independence
  We work to help students build the skills, confidence, and independence needed for success in school and beyond.
• A Supportive and Inclusive Environment
  We are committed to creating a learning environment where all students feel valued, respected, and supported.

New York State Education Department (NYSED)

The New York State Office of Special Education provides assistance related to services and programs for students with disabilities. Staff work to provide the most up to date policy and guidance, technical assistance, professional development, and monitoring to attain equal opportunities and positive results for students with disabilities across New York State.

Learn more about the New York State Office of Special Education.

NYS Continuum of Services

The continuum of special education services for school-age students with disabilities is an array of services to meet an individual students’ needs. Research on specially designed instruction clearly supports high quality instruction provided to the greatest extent possible to meet the student’s individualized education program (IEP) in the general education classrooms where students with disabilities have the greatest likelihood of receiving curriculum content delivered by highly qualified teachers.  Schools may utilize a variety of combinations of special education supports and services to serve students with disabilities in general education settings and promote meaningful access, participation and progress in the general curriculum, including consultant teacher services, paraprofessional support, resource room services and integrated co-teaching.

Learn more about Continuum of Special Education Services for School-Age Students with Disabilities on the New York State Education Department website.

Section 504:   

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a civil rights statute, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.  Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend schools receiving Federal financial assistance.

To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to:

(1) Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or

(2) Have a record of such an impairment; or

(3) Be regarded as having such impairment.

Section 504 requires that school districts provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Department of Education Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Schools