Office of Student Services
Contact: Dr. Dennis McElheron, Interim Director of Student Services
Address: 200 Old Farmingdale Road, West Babylon, NY 11704
Main Phone: (631) 376-7031
Preschool Phone: (631) 376-7035
Fax: (631) 376-7039
Email: dmcelheron@wbschools.org
The West Babylon School District is committed to providing a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities residing in the district.
The Committee of Special Education (CSE) is responsible for referrals of school age students suspected of having a disability between the ages of five (5) and twenty-one(21).
The Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) identifies programs and supports for children between the ages of three (3) and five (5) with a disability residing in the district.
The office of Student Services oversees:
- Special Education
- Psychological and Social Work Services
- Speech/Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Attendance
A Message from the District Director
As the Interim Director of Student Services, I feel privileged to work collaboratively with the families, students, faculty, and staff of the West Babylon School District. I join this vibrant district following many years of experience as both a school psychologist and an administrator in the Sachem School District, and most recently as an administrator in the North Babylon School District. Over the years, I've gained a solid knowledge of special education law and best practices, but my core belief has always remained that all students have the ability to learn.
In this role, my goal is to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where each student can thrive. I am passionate about working to unlock the unique strengths and potential of each learner, providing them not only with tools to succeed academically but also with the emotional and social support they need to grow as individuals and active members of our community. By building strong partnerships with families and collaborating closely with our dedicated faculty and staff, I hope to further enrich the services and programs we offer to meet each student's unique needs.
In the coming months, I look forward to getting to know our students and families personally, so we can work together to ensure that all students—especially those who require additional academic and emotional support—are empowered to reach their fullest potential. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the West Babylon community in this role, and I am excited about what we can accomplish together.
Warmest Regards,
Dr. Dennis McElheron
Interim Director of Student Services
Child Study Team/Referral
Children are referred to the CPSE/CSE if they are suspected of having a disability that adversely affects educational performance and ability to learn.
Requests for referrals are made in writing and include a referral source, the concerns of the parent and teachers, and instructionally relevant information that informs what evaluations and supports are needed. The school district ensures parent involvement and provides information about pre-referral academic intervention and support for the student prior to the referral.
Parents are engaged and provided the opportunity to communicate and collaborate during the referral and evaluation process. Parents and caregivers are consulted about their concerns for the child and the reason for referral. Informed consent for evaluation is requested in a timely manner.
Referral information is part of the child's educational record and must be maintained as confidential.
The CSE provides the parents with prior written notice, procedural safeguards notice and relevant information regarding the reason for referral and recommended evaluations, in clear and understandable language.
If you suspect your preschool child (ages 3-5) or your school age child (5-21) may have a disability, please call the Student Services 631-376-7031
Guiding Principles for IEP Development
- Child centered
- Shared responsibility/parental participation
- Special education is a service, not a place (LRE)
- General Education Curriculum/Standards and Assessments
- Based on individual strengths and needs
- Planning for adult outcomes
- Includes positive behavioral supports
- Tool to guide instruction and measure progress
The Student Services Department adheres to the philosophy that each individual with a disability is entitled to the support necessary to maximize his/her potential. We believe that every student is a valued member of our school community and are entitled to receive their education in the least restrictive environment. Our goal is to enable each student to utilize their personal strengths to become well-adjusted contributing members of society. Parents are our partners in education and together we can teach our students how to advocate for themselves. By fostering independence in our students we prepare them for success in college and/or career.