Student Support Services personnel are an integral part of the special education program in Massapequa and are available to students who may be experiencing cognitive, physical, and/or socio-emotional difficulties that have a substantial impact on learning. In order to address the needs of students in each of our schools, student support services personnel serve to:

• Assist teachers to identify and understand pupil characteristics which influence learning styles and outcomes;

• Provide information needed by the faculty and parents in planning appropriate educational options and programs for students;

• Provide assistance to pupils in adjusting to learning situations, understanding themselves in relation to education, and in planning and preparing for adult living;

• Assist parents to understand and support the pupil's progress in school;

• Encourage and assist in the school district's efforts to provide for full development of each child within the total educational program.

Guidance Counselors work at the middle and high school levels, using a variety of methods to help students find their appropriate educational path and achieve their post-secondary goals. Guidance Counselors provide support in the areas of academic achievement, career choices and personal and social development, ensuring all students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow.

The mission of the Massapequa School District Special Education Department is to provide the highest level and quality of academic instruction in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to all students who have been identified as a student with a disability.

Any parent who suspects that their child may have an educational disability may make a written referral to their school’s principal or to Ms. Danielle Helfand, Executive Assistant for Pupil Personnel Services.

The law concerning special education is known as The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The New York State Education Department’s parent handbook may be found in both English and Spanish at:

Special Education in New York State for Children Ages 3–21, A Parent’s Guide (English)

Special Education in New York State for Children Ages 3–21, A Parent’s Guide (Spanish)

New York State Procedural Safeguards Notice: Rights for Parents of Children with Disabilities, Ages 3-21

Massapequa Union Free School District prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of disability in all aspects of its programs and services. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Massapequa School District provides appropriate accommodations for students who have a mental or physical disability that results in a substantial limitation of a major life activity. Parents who suspect their child may be eligible for accommodations under Section 504 may make a referral to the child's building principal who shall serve as the 504 chairperson or to the 504 Compliance Officer as listed below.

School Psychologists work to enrich the educational setting through development of a positive social emotional climate that enhances student health, positivity and learning readiness.  Each of the Student Support Services teams in every building includes full-time psychologist(s).  All psychologists are fully credentialed and New York State certified in the practice of school psychology.

To contact your school psychologist, please call the school's general office and ask to speak with the school psychologist.

Our committee is comprised of representatives from each school in our district:

• Administrators

• Guidance Counselors

• Social Workers

• Psychologists

• Department Chairpersons

• PTA Representatives

• YES Community Counseling Center Representatives

Each school, depending on size, is allocated a portion of a budget that was granted to MTA by the Massapequa Board of Education. The budgeted funds are used to implement awareness and prevention programs for our students and their families.

To contact your school social worker, please call the school's general office and ask to speak with the school social worker.