Description of Schools and Programs

The District provides special education and related services for school-aged, 3-21 year old students in Ocean Academy and the Cape May County High School.  Students may be enrolled in our schools at any time throughout the school year. Programming is determined by the Individual Education Program (IEP) developed for each student and is available for children with the following classifications:  Preschool Disabled, Cognitive Severe Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, Auditory Impaired, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, and Behavior Disabilities. Related Services including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Nursing, and Counseling are provided, as prescribed in the IEP, to students enrolled in our schools and through the Itinerant Services Program to students in local districts. Professional staff members are certified by the state of New Jersey. Parents have the right to inquire about the teachers’ Highly Qualified status by contacting the school Director.

The Cape May County High School provides individualized programs for students with disabilities from ages 14 through 21 in a specialized setting. Courses offered meet New Jersey state requirements for graduation, with core content academic area and vocational training provided as per individual student needs.  Emphasis is placed on instruction in and practice of social skills needed to successfully function in the home, community, and workplace.  It is the goal of the Cape May County High School to empower students to acquire the academic and workplace readiness skills needed to lead productive and meaningful lives. 

Ocean Academy provides programs for children 3-13 years old.  Preschool Disabled classes for 3-5 year olds participate in a curriculum focusing on pre-readiness experiences, language development, physical, sensory, and perceptual motor integration, social skills and school adjustment.  Instructional staff in K – 8th grades deliver core curriculum content at the kindergarten pre-readiness, primary readiness, and elementary levels.  There is a sensory integration program for students diagnosed within the Autistic/PDD spectrum with an emphasis on building relationships and reciprocal communication.  An eclectic, integrated approach fluidly incorporates a total communication approach (sign language, augmentative communication, PECS, assistive technology, etc.), DIR/Floortime, Applied Behavioral Analysis, and structured Social Skills instruction.

The Related Services Department offers our students many evaluative and remedial services.  It is designed to enhance our students’ abilities to reach their educational and personal goals and includes: Autism Consultation Services; Psychiatric Consultation; School Nursing; Educational Counseling; Social Casework; Speech Language Therapy; Physical Therapy; Occupational Therapy; Parent Programs; Individual Counseling; Group Counseling; Neurological Consultation; and Psychological Consultation; Psychiatric Nurse Case Management 

The Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy Department serves children with special needs when the unique physical, sensory, perceptual, speech and language needs of these children interfere with their total educational performance. The therapists use an integrated approach working with various disciplines toward the child’s educational goals.  Service delivery may be in the classroom or therapy room.