Exceptional Children Department (formally known as Pupil Personnel Services)
The Exceptional Children (EC) Department at St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf focuses on applying the latest audiological, medical, social, developmental, and psychological knowledge to the learning and development of our Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Functionally Deaf students. The Exceptional Children Department is equipped for specialized evaluations of our current and prospective students. The Exceptional Children Department is responsible for coordinating the intake process and evaluations of new students entering St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf and providing a wide range of support services for all students. Contact us.
The Director of Exceptional Children advocates for the best interest of your child while following the New York State Education Department's regulations and works in collaboration with the families, the Local School Districts, and the State Education Department to meet each child's individual needs.
Services Provided through the Exceptional Children Department include, but are not limited to:
- Counseling/Play Therapy
- Educational Evaluations
- Mental Health/Case Review Team
- Parent Education
- Psychological Evaluations
- Registered Nursing
- Social Workers
- Transition Coordination
- Vocational Evaluations
These support services are provided for our students and their families on both a routine or referral basis. Contact us.
Health and Clinical Services
SJSD has a full time registered nurse on staff each day to provide for students' medical attention as required. Other medical personnel available as needed are: pediatrician, and optometrist.
Counseling and Guidance Services
The Counseling Services department works with students whose behavior interferes with their learning. Depending on the child’s need, a variety of interventions are available. Counseling techniques used incorporate play as a way to work through such issues as anger, love, hate, sadness in a non-threatening setting. Other children may be more comfortable with games and costumes that allow them to explore feelings. In each situation, a team of professionals in the fields of psychology, counseling and social work determine the best method for that student.