Child Study Team

Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts
Child Study Team

Adrienne Register School Psychologist [email protected] Phone: (973) 414-8600 X53032	Kishore Persad School Social Worker [email protected] Phone: (973) 414-8600 X53007
Eveleana Matthews School Social Worker/Child Study Team Phone: (973) 414-8600	Vanessa Mack Speech Therapist Phone: (973) 414-8600
Alexandra Pujols LDT-C (Learning Disabilities Teacher - Consultant) [email protected] Phone: (973) 414-8600

What is a Child Study Team (CST)?

The Child Study Team at Tyson is comprised of the School Psychologist, the School Social Worker and the Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT/C). The Child Study Team are specialist who are trained in the area of disability. CST members are responsible for identification, evaluation, determination of eligibility, development and review of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), and placement. The CST works closely with the Speech-Language Specialists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists, when appropriate, and collaborates with parents, teachers, and administrators to provide a free and appropriate education to students. Members of the CST may also deliver related services, such as school-based individual and group counseling, to students with disabilities.

What does a Case Manager do?

Every student who is classified as eligible to receive Special Education and Related Services is assigned a case manager, who is a member of the CST. The case manager is responsible for coordinating the development, monitoring, and evaluating of the effectiveness of the IEP. The case manager facilitates communication between home and school and coordinates the annual review and triennial reevaluation process. The case manager is knowledgeable about the students’ academic and behavioral needs, and consults with school personnel to ensure that these needs are met.

How can a child be referred to the Child Study Team?

A child may be referred to the CST through the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) Committee. When a child is identified by school personnel to be struggling academically, behaviorally, or emotionally, the I&RS Committee will meet to develop an Action Plan that will address the student’s strengths and challenges. The Committee will maintain written documentation and meet regularly to review the effectiveness of the interventions that were utilized. When it is determined by the Committee that interventions in the General Education program have not adequately addressed the student’s difficulties and it is believed that the student may have a disability, the student will be referred for CST evaluation to determine eligibility for Special Education programs and services. However, a direct referral to the child study team may be made when it can be documented that the nature of the student's challenges are such that evaluation to determine eligibility for Special Education services is warranted without delay.

A child may also be referred to the CST by the parent. The parent may make a written request for an evaluation to determine eligibility for Special Education and Related Services. Such a request is considered a referral and is forwarded without delay to the CST for consideration.

What does a Speech-Language Pathologist do?

A Speech-Language Pathologist helps students become better communicators by strengthening their speech and language skills. The end goal of our work is better communication and greater academic success. We work with students with Autism and speech impediments such stuttering, nonverbal, and students who have difficulty pronouncing certain speech sounds. It is our pleasure and honor to work with the students at Cicely L. Tyson Middle and High School in helping them become better communicators here and in the community.