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For children (ages 3 to 21) with intellectual or developmental disabilities, local school districts play a lead role in the provision of supports and services – a role that is rooted in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as corresponding New Jersey law. Students with disabilities are entitled to Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Many children receive their education and related services “in-district” through their local schools. Others rely on “out-of-district” schools – public or private – in other parts of the State or possibly in another State, depending on the needs of the student, though to the maximum extent appropriate, students are educated with non-disabled peers. By law, parents have the right to participate in process of developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as members of the IEP team, if the child meets eligibility requirements for Special Education.
If you are concerned about a preschool child or student who may be developing or learning differently, contact the local school district where the child resides. Additionally, under IDEA, all states must have policies and procedures in in place requiring schools to locate, identify and evaluate students with disabilities for special education and related services
SPDR has a responsibility under federal statute and regulations to operate a system of general supervision that monitors the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) by local education agencies (LEAs).
SPDR develops the Parental Rights in Special Education required under New Jersey State law. SPDR accepts petitions for mediations, due process hearings, and emergent relief. View information regarding the request for mediation, due process and emergent relief. Petitions for due process may be submitted by email to osepdisputeresolution@doe.nj.gov.
View a full list of Special Education Legal Protections and Responsibilities.
The role of the Special Education Ombudsman is to serve as a resource to provide information and support to parents, students and educators regarding special education rights and services. Appointed by the Commissioner of Education, the ombudsman performs duties that include serving as a source of information for parents, students, educators and interested members of the public that helps them better understand state and federal laws and regulations governing special education. The ombudsman also provides information and support to parents of students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate the process for obtaining special education evaluations and services.
To contact the Special Education Ombudsman:
Phone: 609-376-9060
Email: specedombudsman@doe.nj.gov
Student Transportation is responsible for developing regulations and procedures for safe and efficient student transportation services to and from school and school-related activities.
The County Offices of Education are the focal point of general support, oversight and routine communications between local school districts and the Department of Education's central offices. The county offices are the main responders to inquiries from families on most routine matters. A full list of County Office locations, as well as core services and information provided, are located on the County Offices of Education webpage.
The Learning Resource Center Network (LRC) is a project of the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education funded through IDEA Part B funds. The materials and resources at the LRC’s are provided to support the education of students with disabilities, helping them to succeed and to achieve in the least restrictive environment. Services offered include information, a lending library of books, training resources and materials, and production services.
New Jersey Inclusive Education Technical Assistance (NJIETA) The NJIETA project is a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education (OSE), the Montclair State University Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health (CAECMH), and the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE). NJIETA is designed for the collaborators to partner with public, charter, and vocational schools to provide Technical Assistance and Systemic Change Facilitation to develop more inclusive educational opportunities.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey
