Dr. Elizabeth Whitehouse
Supervisor of Collingswood/Oaklyn Special Services
(856) 962-5702 ext 9014
ewhitehouse@collsk12.org

Mrs. Angela Funk
Assistant (Oaklyn)
(856) 858-0335 ext 7136
afunk@oaklynschool.org

Welcome to the Special Education Services of the Collingswood/Oaklyn Public Schools. It is our hope that this section provides you with the information you are seeking in regard to special education and student services within the Collingswood/Oaklyn Public Schools. If at any time you are unable to find the information you are seeking please contact the Office of Special Education at (856) 962-5702 ext 6511 (Collingswood) or (856) 858-0335 ext 7136 (Oaklyn).

The department of Special Services supports Collingswood/Oaklyn Public School's Philosophy of Education. We believe in providing a variety of special education program options, which include in-class support (ICS), pull out replacement classes, resource support classes and self-contained programs. We also provide pre-vocational, vocational and transition to work programs. Our commitment to the field of education and psychology is fortified by our comprehensive practicum and internship programs for teachers, speech therapists, social workers and psychologists. The special services department makes every effort to allow students to participate in the general education program when deemed appropriate based on their abilities and specific educational needs.

New Jersey Administrative Code for special education (N.J.A.C. 6A:14) and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) are laws that ensure children with disabilities a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. An important part of these laws provides parents with the right to participate in their children’s education.

You and representatives of your school district are team members who are responsible for developing an appropriate educational program for your child.The PRISE document will describe the state and federal laws affecting the provision of special education to help you understand your rights in the special education process. With this knowledge, you will be prepared to take an active role in your child’s education.

This document has been developed for you by the Department of Education, Office of Special Education Policy and Dispute Resolution, in an effort to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date information. The document is periodically revised to reflect changes in the law, provide additional information that would be of use to you, and to provide the information in a more clear and concise manner.

Click HERE for a copy of the PRISE booklet.