Welcome!

The Ramsey School District Special Services Department provides specialists in the areas of child study, school counseling, speech and language therapy and occupational and physical therapists.

Child Study Services

In our district child study services are provided by school psychologists, learning disabilities teacher- consultants (LDTC’s) and school social workers. There are school psychologists, LDTC’s and school social workers assigned to each of our schools.  The child study team members provide a variety of services including specialized assistance to classroom teachers regarding techniques, materials and programs, consultation with parents and teachers, counseling, and testing.  In addition, Child Study Team specialists have the responsibility for the determination of special education eligibility and the development and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

Speech and Language Services

Speech and language services are provided by certified speech and language therapists. Services include consultation with parents and teachers, specialized assessments, programming and therapy designed to remediate the handicapping condition that adversely affects the child's educational performance.

General Questions and Concerns

Sometimes general questions and concerns can be addressed by navigating the different sites on our Department Web Page.  For more specific information, you are encouraged to contact a member of the child study team in the school your child attends or you can contact Ms. Donna Volpe at  201.785.2321. 

Ramsey Residents:  Do You Think Your Child May Need an Evaluation?

If you believe your child may need an evaluation, Please send a letter to the Director of  Special Services at the following address:

Ms. Donna Volpe

Department of Special Services

John Y. Dater School

35 School Street

Ramsey, New Jersey 07446

Please add the following items in your correspondence when requesting an evaluation:

• Your child’s full name and date of birth,
• A brief explanation of why you would like your child evaluated,
• A copy of any reports you may have, if your child has been previously evaluated,
• Your contact information including address, phone number, and email; and
• An original signature on your letter.

Child Find Information

"Child Find": Special Education For Pupils Ages 3-21

Programs for children ages 3 through 21 are conducted in Ramsey. These programs are for children who have an identified disabling condition and/or a measurable developmental delay in physical, social, communication, and/or emotional areas, and who may require and would benefit from special educational and related services. Eligibility for these services is determined by a Child Study Team evaluation of the child.

Any resident who has a child, ages 3 through 21 years, who may require special services, should contact the Office of Special Services of the Ramsey Public Schools at 201-785-2321.

"Child Find":  Birth to age 3

If your child is under the age of 3 - If your child should be crawling, walking, or talking but isn’t, call for information about resources and services for your child under age 3.  The New Jersey Early Intervention System

statewide toll-free number is 1-888-653-4463 

Non Public Students: How to Make a Referral and Request Help

If your child is ages 5-21 - If you would like to request an evaluation complete a 407-1 or 407-1NR  form and submit to your school principal or director of special education.  These referrals are made to the school your child attends.   This form can be obtained from your child's school.

If your child is ages 3-4 - The written request for an evaluation must be sent to the special education department in the town where you live.

If your child is under the age of 3 - If your child should be crawling, walking or talking but isn’t, call for information about resources and services for your child under age 3.  The New Jersey Early Intervention System statewide toll-free number is 1-888-653-4463.