Student Personnel Services

Department Overview 

The Student Personnel Services (SPS) Department is dedicated to supporting the academic, social-emotional, and physical well-being of all students within the district. Our mission is to ensure that every student has access to the resources, services, and individualized supports necessary to thrive in their learning environment.

The SPS Department oversees a broad range of student-centered programs and services, including:

• Special Education Services: We provide individualized educational programming and support for students with disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Our team works collaboratively with families, educators, and specialists to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's unique strengths and needs.

• Related Services: To support students' ability to access the general curriculum, we offer related services such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and other specialized supports as determined through the IEP process.

• Section 504 Services: We ensure that students with disabilities who do not require special education but need accommodations receive equitable access to education under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Our staff coordinates the development of 504 Plans that outline the necessary accommodations and supports.

• McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program: The department ensures compliance with the McKinney-Vento Act by identifying and supporting students experiencing homelessness. We work to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, and success in school, while connecting families with essential community resources.

• Guidance and School Counseling Services: Our guidance counselors provide comprehensive support in the areas of academic achievement, college and career readiness, and social-emotional development. Through individual and group counseling, classroom lessons, and crisis intervention, our counselors foster a positive school climate and empower students to reach their full potential.

The Student Personnel Services Department is committed to fostering inclusive practices, advocating for student needs, and collaborating with families, staff, and community partners to promote student success and well-being. Our focus remains on ensuring that every student receives the support they need to learn, grow, and succeed in school and beyond.

The Kenilworth Special Services Department provides a full continuum of instructional programs for students who have been evaluated by the Child Study Team and based on a series of assessments, eligibility criteria, and educational needs, qualify for special education services. The Kenilworth Special Services Department is committed to meeting the social, emotional, and educational needs of each student.  Furthermore, the department strives to provide support and effective, ongoing communication between the school and the families of our students.  The Kenilworth Special Services Department believes that students should be serviced in the Least Restrictive Environment with extensive opportunities for meaningful inclusion.  

Child Find Notice

In accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Kenilworth Public Schools is committed to locating, identifying, and evaluating all children ages 3 through 21 who may be in need of special education and related services, including children who are highly mobile, migrant, homeless, or homeschooled.

If you have concerns that your child, or a child you know, may be experiencing difficulties in one or more of the following areas, they may be eligible for special education services:

• Communication (speech/language)

• Physical development

• Cognitive development

• Social or emotional development

• Academic performance
  
  

Preschool-Aged Children (Ages 3–5)

Parents who suspect their preschool-age child may have a developmental delay should contact the district’s Child Study Team to request an evaluation.

School-Aged Children (Ages 5–21)

Parents, teachers, or other individuals who believe a student may be in need of special education should contact the building principal or the Child Study Team to discuss a referral.

Infants and Toddlers (Birth–3)

Concerns about children under the age of 3 should be directed to the New Jersey Early Intervention System at 1-888-653-4463.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.) is a federal law that provides important educational rights and services to PreK-12 children and youth experiencing homelessness. The U.S. Department of Education has published guidance to help state and local educational agencies implement the law. This document summarizes the McKinney-Vento Act’s key provisions and provides corresponding legal citations. 

Eligibility 

● “Homeless children and youth” means children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including those who are sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; staying in motels, trailer parks, or camp grounds due to the lack of an adequate alternative; staying in shelters or transitional housing; or sleeping in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, or similar settings. 42 U.S.C. §11434a(2). 

● “Unaccompanied youth” includes homeless children and youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. 42 U.S.C. 11434a(6).