Special Education
We believe that every kid can achieve and be successful with the right kinds of supports, opportunities, and high expectations. - Dr. Aleisha Rodriguez, Chief of Student Support Services
Student Support Services at Excellence Community Schools focuses on special populations. The department collaborates with the NYCDOE Committee on Special Education and the ECS network to equip leaders, teachers, staff, and parents with the knowledge and strategies to ensure students have equal opportunities to learn regardless the barriers they face. We strive to enhance academic and social-emotional growth for all students.
Department Services
- Special Education
- Inclusive instruction for English Language Learners (ELL)
- 504 Plans for scholars with medical diagnoses
- Intervention for academic behaviorally at-risk scholars
- Support for scholars facing barriers
- Program placement and related services
- Support for teachers, specialists and school Leaders
- Coaching and professional development
- Scholar study and classroom observations
- Family workshops and community-based organization (CBO) referrals
What We Believe
- Every child is different.
- Learning should be challenging, engaging, and accessible.
- Early preparation is important.
- A caring community builds personal skills.
Every child is different.
Learning should be challenging, engaging, and accessible.
Early preparation is important.
A caring community builds personal skills.
How We Support Scholars
We use a three-tiered approach to remove barriers to learning:
Tier 1: Schoolwide Supports
Tier 2: Targeted Small-Group Interventions
Tier 3: Intensive Individualized Support
All of the supports offered by Student Support Services are inclusive. We collaborate with teachers, leaders, families, FACE, and outside partners.
Student Support Services makes appropriate recommendations based on the specific needs of each scholar.
Support Programs
Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
Up to 12 students in each class at ECS can have an IEP. Each class has about 30 students.
Integrated Co-Teaching & Related Services
- Speech and language*
- Occupational therapy*
- Physical therapy*
- School counseling*
- Other related services
- English language immersion
- Inclusive English instruction for all learners
- Explicit instruction in phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension
- Language and literacy development across all subjects
- Differentiated support tailored to student needs
- Ongoing progress monitoring to guide instruction
- School counseling and behavior intervention supports
- Academic interventions in reading and math
- 504 Plans to address learning and medical needs
- Parent workshops and resources to support learning at home
- Guidance and support for families during the pre-referral process and evaluation for special education services
*ECS works in partnership with the Department of Education (DOE) to provide related services for scholars. In the event that Student Support Services cannot find a service provider from the DOE, parents/guardians will receive a Related Services Authorization (RSA) letter, which will contain a list of external providers available for your scholar(s).
Partnering With Families
We value parents as partners in education. Families play an essential role in supporting learning at home. We encourage open communication so we can work together to help your child succeed.
If you are a parent or guardian, we invite you to request support by:
- Contacting your child’s teacher to discuss concerns.
- Meeting with a counselor, social worker, or school leader.
- Participating in school meetings (such as IEP, 504, or Parent-Teacher Conference meetings) to develop a personalized support plan.
Examples of Supports
Attendance Improvement
Our scholars increased attendance through an attendance contract and regular family check-ins
Reading Interventions
Our scholars are thriving with targeted small group reading instruction, interventions, and parent homework check-ins
Behavioral Support Plans
Tailored strategies to address specific behavioral needs, including collaborative planning with school-family incentives
Inspire Excellence
Interested in working with our Student Support Services and Special Education teams at ECS?