Child Study Team

Child Study Team

The Child Study Team (CST) is a group of professionals in schools who work together to identify and support students who may have learning, behavioral, or developmental challenges. The team’s role is to assess the needs of the child, develop appropriate interventions, and ensure that the student gets the right resources to succeed academically and socially.

Typically, the CST includes:

  1. Special Education Teacher: Provides insight into specific learning challenges and strategies.
  2. School Psychologist: Assesses cognitive, emotional, and social development and provides evaluations.
  3. Social Worker: Offers support with social, emotional, or family-related concerns.
  4. School Administrator: Ensures that the school's policies and resources align with the needs of the student.
  5. General Education Teacher: Provides input on the student’s performance and behavior in the classroom.

The process usually starts when a teacher or parent notices that a student is struggling. The team will then meet to review the child's academic performance, behavior, and any other relevant factors. After that, they might recommend interventions such as additional support in the classroom, testing for learning disabilities, or developing a plan for specialized services if needed (e.g., an Individualized Education Program, or IEP).

In special education, related services are additional supports and services that help students with disabilities benefit from their Individualized Education Program (IEP). These services are provided alongside special education instruction to address the student's specific needs.

Common Related Services in Special Education:

  1. Speech-Language Therapy (SLT) – Helps with speech, language,and communication.
  2. Occupational Therapy (OT) – Focuses on fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living skills.
  3. Physical Therapy (PT) – Assists with mobility, posture, balance, and coordination.
  4. Counseling Services – Supports emotional, social, and behavioral well-being.

Available Links

Special Education Department
Commercial Township School Building
1308 North Ave
Port Norris, NJ 08348
Phone: (856) 785-2333
Directions

Tyler Day
Director of Special Services
Tyler.Day@commercialschools.org
856-785-2333

Lisa Robbins
Child Study Team Secretary
Lisajoy.Robbins@commercialschools.org
856-785-2333 ext. 1080

Karen Irving
Social Worker / Case Manager
Karen.Irving@commercialschools.org
856-785-2333 ext 2074

Jacqueline Silva
Social Worker / Case Manager
Jacqueline.Silva@commercialschools.org
856-785-2333 ext 2179

Anna Hickman
Speech Therapist
Anna.hickman@commercialschools.org
856-785-2333 ext 2142

Patrice Burroughs
Speech Therapist
Patrice.burroughs@commercialschools.org
856-785-2333 ext 2142

Kristen Maltman
Occupational Therapist
Kristen.maltman@commercialschools.org
856-785-2333 ext 1066

Lora Harvey
Physical Therapist
Lora.harvey@commercialschools.org
856-785-2333 ext 1066

 

 

 


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