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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🎓 We proudly celebrated the graduation of the Plainedge High School Class of 2026, honoring an exceptional group of students as they reached this remarkable milestone!
Valedictorian Leah Muldoon and Salutatorian Khloe Hong delivered inspiring speeches, encouraging their classmates to pursue their passions, remain true to themselves, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with confidence and determination.
Principal Lauren Iocco, Board of Education President Joseph Beyrouty, and Interim Superintendent of Schools Ms. Carol Muscarella offered heartfelt congratulations and shared words of encouragement as the graduates embarked on their next chapter.
As the Class of 2026 begins this exciting new journey, we are confident they will continue to make a positive impact wherever life takes them. No matter where their paths lead, they will always be part of the Plainedge family!
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
#Weareplainedge #plainedgepride #community #classof2026 #together #plainedge
🎓 Congratulations to the Plainedge Middle School Class of 2026! 🎓
Today, we celebrated an incredible milestone as our graduates officially moved up to Plainedge High School. National Junior Honor Society President Vincent Cusumano reflected this remarkable class while encouraging his classmates to embrace the exciting opportunities ahead!
A special thank you to our Middle School Drama Club for their outstanding performance of “Finale” from Frozen Jr., which made the ceremony even more memorable.
The Plainedge Board of Education, administration, faculty, and staff are proud of all that this class has achieved and look forward to seeing the great things they will accomplish in high school and beyond.
To the Class of 2026: Believe in yourselves, continue to work hard, and never stop reaching for your goals. Your future is bright! ✨
If you missed today`s ceremony, you can watch the recording at Plainedge TV Live Stream.
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #MiddleSchoolGraduation #ClassOf2026 🎓❤️🖤
🎓 Congratulations to the 5th-grade students of Eastplain, Charles E. Schwarting, and John H. West Elementary Schools on reaching this important milestone and moving up to 6th grade!
As you prepare to begin your journey at Plainedge Middle School, take pride in all you have accomplished, the friendships you have built, and the knowledge you have gained along the way. Your teachers, families, and the entire Plainedge community are incredibly proud of you and excited to see all that you will achieve in the years ahead!
Embrace this next chapter with confidence, curiosity, and determination! Your future is bright, and your possibilities are endless.
Well done, and congratulations! 🎉
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #community #education #movingup
On behalf of the Board of Education and everyone in Central Administration, we wish you all a Happy Father’s Day!
Juneteenth - Schools will be closed Friday, June 19, 2026 and reopen Monday, June 22, 2026
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride
🎓✨ Our Pre-K students celebrated their Moving Up Ceremony with joyful songs, big smiles, and lots of excitement as they marked this special milestone on their journey to Kindergarten! We are so proud of all they have accomplished and can`t wait to welcome them to Kindergarten in the fall.
Families and community members can watch Plainedge Public Schools` Moving Up and Graduation ceremonies live at plainedgetv.com/live.
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #ClassOf2039 #MovingUpCeremony #PreKGraduation #FutureReady #PlainedgeSchools 🎓📚
🎶❤️ The Charles E. Schwarting Elementary School 5th Grade Choral Students visited their Bristal Buddies for a memorable morning filled with music, laughter, and celebration.
Our talented young performers delighted residents with their graduation song and a selection of contemporary favorites! Residents sang along and shared in the excitement!
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #BristalBuddies #CommunityConnections #MusicMatters #SchwartingElementary 🎵✨
Cheers, applause, and plenty of Plainedge Pride! Matty and Oscar took their final walk to the bus during a memorable clap-out celebration! Surrounded by the love and support of our school community, this clap-out celebration was a beautiful reminder of what makes Plainedge so special.
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #PlainedgeProud #BestBuddies #Community #Education #Family #SpecialEducation
🔔 One last bell.
📚 One last walk through the halls.
🎓 One unforgettable class.
Congratulations to the Plainedge High School Class of 2026! Your Plainedge family is cheering you on every step of the way!
#WeArePlainedge #PlainedgePride #ClassOf2026
Creating Our Beautiful World 🌎🎨
This week, our 9:1:3 students partnered with APE Peer Mentors and Best Buddies to bring a special mural project to life! Guided by artist Mr. Dinaro, students worked together to paint two vibrant panels celebrating the beauty, diversity, and wonder of our world.
The project showcased creativity, teamwork, inclusion, and friendship as students and staff collaborated to create a lasting piece of artwork that reflects the spirit of our school community.
#weareplainedge #plainedgepride #community #education #together #united #art #ourworld
