Our Mission

It is the mission of the Clifton Public School District Special Services Department to achieve the highest standards of excellence for students with disabilities based upon their individual strengths and needs. Every student is provided with sound academic opportunities to facilitate their physical, emotional, social and vocational potential. It is our responsibility to provide demanding programs appropriate for all levels of ability and to implement this philosophy into practice for all students. 

Child Find - Educational Services for All Eligible Children

It is our goal to serve every school-aged child with a disability who resides in Clifton. If you are aware of a student who resides in the district and meets one or more of the following disabling conditions or if you suspect that your child has a disability that has not yet been identified, please contact our district office or your local school: Physical, sensory, emotional, communication, cognitive, or social difficulties (NJAC6A-3.3). The Clifton Public School District provides a full continuum of special education services for each individual student in the least restrictive environment. Each level of service is available for consideration by the Child Study Team for all eligible students in Clifton Public Schools. 

Preschool for the Special Needs Child:

Do you have special concerns about your child's development?
Clifton Public Schools provides a free preschool program to assist children, ages 3-5, residing in Clifton who have special needs, such as:

• Delayed Speech and/or language
• Visual and hearing impairment
• Delayed motor development
• Emotional or behavioral problems
• General learning problems
• For further information, call the Clifton Public Schools Special Services Department at 973-470-2286

Transition Services

Ms. Lynn Tuorto, District Coordinator
LTuorto@cliftonschools.net
973-470-2455

Mr. Bill Colligan, Part-Time Transition Coordinator
WColligan@cliftonschools.net
973-470-2455

Transition services are provided for students who are at least sixteen years old. These services, which are based on each student's strengths, interests and preferences, help students make the transition from school to post-school activities, including college education, vocational training, employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living and community participation.