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Special Services Department Overview

  • 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.

Contact

  • Director of Special Services

    Ms. Heather Rotolo
    HRotolo@cliftonschools.net
    973-470-2286


    Supervisor of Special Services, High School

    Amanda Hempel
    AHempel@cliftonschools.net
    973-779-5466


    Supervisor of Special Services, Middle School/Non-Public

    Bahiah Abdrabboh
    BAbdrabboh@cliftonschools.net
    973-470-2287


    Supervisor of Special Services, Elementary

    Linda Chavez
    LChavez@cliftonschools.net
    973-470-2285


    Supervisor of Special Services, Preschool Programs

    Marianella (Silvia) Mattia-Rosamalia
    MMattia-Rosamilia@cliftonschools.net
    973-470-2068


    Supervisor of Special Services, Related Services/Paraprofessionals

    Kristin Checchi
    KChecchi@cliftonschools.net@cliftonschools.net
    973-470-2285


    Supervisor of Special Services, Autism Programs

    Karen Ponce
    KPonce@cliftonschools.net@cliftonschools.net
    973-470-2285


    Child Study Team Contacts

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