Child Find

The Rockaway Township Public Schools recognizes its responsibilities to locate, identify and provide appropriate services for students in the district who may have special needs and/or disabilities. These special services are administered by the Special Education Department and are consistent with both state and federal regulations.

PARENTS: If you have a child between the ages 0 and 3 and suspect he/she has a disability or impairment which affects his/her learning please contact New Jersey Early Intervention Services (NJEIS) at phone number (888) 653-4463. 

If you have a child between the ages 3 through 21 and suspect he/she has a disability that negatively affects his/her learning, and you live in Rockaway Township, you may contact the Office of Student Support Services. We will provide you with information regarding services to which your child may be eligible. 

If there are any questions, please call the Special Education Department at (973) 627-8200 ext. 6113

New Jersey Department of Education Child Find Requirements Regulation / Updated Flyer

District Homeless Liaison

Kathryn Pietrowski

973-627-8200 Ext 6099

Email: kpietrowski@rocktwp.net

McKinney-Vento Act

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, Rockaway Township Public Schools ensures that each homeless child and youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as other children and youths.

What are some of the rights are afforded to students and school districts through McKinney-Vento?

  1. Transportation to and from school and extracurricular free of charge. This includes ensuring specific busing for homeless students so they can stay at the school they were attending before they became homeless.

  2. Children experiencing homelessness have the right to attend their school of origin (the school they attended when they first became homeless) even if they are not residing in the area anymore.

  3. Schools must enroll children immediately even if they lack normally required documents, such as immunization records or proof of residence.

  4. States must designate a statewide homeless coordinator to review policies and create procedures that affect homeless students.

  5. Local school districts must appoint Education Liaisons to ensure that school staff are aware of these rights, to provide public notice to homeless families, and to facilitate access to school and transportation services.

How can McKinney-Vento funds be used to assist students?

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  1. Tutors or other academic supports

  2. Basic school supplies

  3. Transportation to and from school and extracurricular activities

  4. Specialized training and professional development for teachers and other school staffers

National Research Center for Homeless Education

N.J.A.C. 6A:17, Education for Homeless Children and Youths and Students in State Facilities and Educational Stability for Children in Resource Family Care