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.

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.

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.

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.

This transition guide addresses the following topics to facilitate a seamless transition from school to post-school activities:

• Transition planning: opportunities and programs

• Transition services and requirements, as authorized by IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act

• Education and employment options for students and youth with disabilities after leaving secondary school

• Supporting decisions made by students and youth with disabilities. This guide also includes “real life” examples, a sample flow chart of the transition process, and a glossary of key terms used in the transition process