Special Education
Bridget Murphy
Nicole Duffy
The Plainedge School District operates one of the most comprehensive special education programs in New York serving over 400 students with disabilities.
Plainedge has a comprehensive special education program with a warm, nurturing, and dynamic atmosphere. Our policies and procedures ensure that student’s right to a “free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment” is available for all students with a disability from the ages of three through twenty-one.
Plainedge teachers and staff are dedicated to maintaining a level of excellence and outreach to ensure that each student with a disability receives specialized instruction and related services.
Part-time and full-time special ed services are tailored to the needs of each student. Special education teachers work cooperatively with general education teachers to achieve a learning environment with the least restrictions.
For students who need additional support, we provide an in-district Life Skills Program to enable them to achieve the highest level of independence and acquire the skills necessary to be successful individuals and life-long learners.
Whenever possible Plainedge educates their students within the District. By educating students in-district, students with disabilities maintain neighborhood friends and are able to participate in everyday school life such as sports, chorus, music, and art.
The policies and procedures of Plainedge‘s Special Education Department are overseen by the Board of Education and regulated by New York State and Federal laws.
Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) Pursuant to PL 99-457 and Section 4410 of the Educational Law, school districts are responsible for serving 3 and 4-year-old children with disabilities. If you suspect that your youngster has a disability or are referred by your doctor or a preschool professional, please call 516-992-7480.
The Plainedge School District offers a robust continuum of special education services to meet each student’s individual needs. These services include:
- Resource Room
- Consultant Teacher
- Integrated Co-Teaching
- Special Class – Regents Track
- Special Class – Skills & Achievement Commencement Credential Track
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Counseling
- Parent Counseling & Training
- Itinerant Vision Services
- Itinerant Hearing Services
- Behavior Intervention Services
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On behalf of the Plainedge Board of Education and Central Administration, we wish our community members, staff members, and their families who are observing Yom Kippur an easy fast.
Please note that schools will be closed on Thursday, October 2, 2025 and will reopen on Friday, October 3, 2025.
📧 Have you checked your email yet? This month’s Plainedge Now is live!
Inside, you’ll find:
✨ Updates from our schools
🎉 Highlights of student and staff achievements
📅 Upcoming events you won’t want to miss
💡 Important reminders and community news
Stay connected and informed! ❤️ #PlainedgePride #Plainedge #Education #PlainedgeProud #WEARE
Congratulations to Allison Younghans, Savannah Speicher, Ava Nitsch, Michela Netto, Dylan Fella, and Jaxson Torres on being recognized as part of Newsday’s Top 100 Long Island Athletes in their respective sports for 2025!
#weareplainedge #plainedge #athletics #weare #plainedgepride #community #sports
Congratulations to Plainedge High School students Khloe Hong and Anthony Pravata on earning National Merit Commendations! This prestigious recognition is awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) to students who achieve exceptional scores on the PSAT/NMSQT. Commended Students, who rank among the top 2–3% of all test-takers nationwide, receive a Letter of Commendation in honor of their academic excellence.
Plainedge High School Principal, Lauren Iocco, PHS Guidance Counselors Michael Cipriano and Joseph Como, Interim Superintendent Carol Muscarella, along with the rest of the Plainedge community, are proud to celebrate this outstanding achievement and the hard work of these remarkable students.
#weareplainedge #plainedgeproud #community #education #weare #plainedgepride #phs
We would like to wish those celebrating a Happy Rosh Hashanah. May this New Year bring you health and happiness. Please note that schools will be closed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 and Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
We look forward to seeing everyone back on Thursday, September 25, 2025
Today, we welcomed back the incredible Class of 1975 for a special guided tour of Plainedge High School!
It was a heartwarming day full of memories, laughter, and stories as past met present in the halls they once called home.
#PlainedgePride #ClassOf75 #weareplainedge #plainedgeproud #Weare
The Plainedge Adult Continuing Education fall program is open for registration! Looking to learn something new this fall? Whether you`re brushing up on skills, exploring a hobby, or just trying something fun, Plainedge Adult Education has a class for you! Visit bit.ly/FallAdultEducation2025
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #education #adulteducation
Interim Superintendent Carol Muscarella spent the morning at John H. West Elementary School, visiting classrooms, speaking with students, and observing the incredible teaching and learning happening throughout the building.
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #jhw #learning #education
Mrs. Carol Muscarella Returns to Plainedge as Interim Superintendent:
The Board of Education is pleased to welcome Mrs. Carol Muscarella as Interim Superintendent of Plainedge Schools. As many of you know, Mrs. Muscarella is a deeply respected leader with a long history of service to the Plainedge School District. Her deep love for its students, faculty, staff, and community is why she answered the call to serve once again. We are confident that her experience and dedicated leadership will provide stability and guidance during this transitional period.
Kindly find Mrs. Muscarella`s letter reintroducing herself to the community as she temporarily pauses her well-deserved retirement to serve Plainedge.
A little dot can spark big ideas! 🔴🟠🟡🟢🔵🟣Plainedge Elementary Schools celebrated International Dot Day and its message of creativity, courage, and community through unique experiences in each grade level. #MakeYourMark #DotDay #plainedgepride #community #education #together #plainedgeproud #weareplainedge
