Special Education Support at P.S. 20

Learn more about Special Education (NYC Public Schools)

The Department of Education is required to provide each student with a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Learn more about Special Education on the New York City Public School's website.


Individualized Education Plan

Students who have physical, developmental or behavioral needs that are not met solely through general education may qualify for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). 

Learn more about IEPs (NYC Public Schools)

Depending on the IEP, a student may receive services they require while still a part of any of the classroom environments available at our school that are appropriate for them. Some examples of related services are: assistive technology, counseling, occupational, physical and/or speech/language therapy, hearing and/or vision education services, orientation/mobility services, school nurse services, sign language interpreters. Some students and classrooms also benefit from the assistance of a Paraprofessional, who can offer aid with a variety of health, developmental, or behavioral needs.


504 Accommodations

Learn more about 504 Accommodations (NYC Public Schools)

Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires public schools to offer accommodations for eligible students with disabilities. These accommodations help students with special health needs to participate in New York City Public Schools programs and activities on an equal basis with their peers who do not have disabilities. Your child may be eligible for health services and/or other types of 504 accommodations if:

  1. They have a physical or mental impairment; and

  2. The impairment substantially limits at least one major life activity.


Our Team

School Based Support Team: Our School Based Support Team (SBST) consists of a Psychologist, Social Worker, Guidance Counselor and Clerical Associate. 

Service Providers: We currently have a Guidance Counselor, Occupational Therapist, and Speech Therapists on staff. We also have a part-time Physical Therapist and Special Education Teacher Support Service (SETSS) provider. 

Contacts

Nurse | Cynshae Beeson

Psychologist & 504 Coordinator, Academics | Desha Scott 

Guidance Counselor & 504 Coordinator, Health | Deborah DeShong

Social Worker | Laveronique Alcide

SBST Clerical Associate | Helen Sandy

Special Education Liaison | Tara Mann

Speech | Elina Ayzman

Speech | Cathryn Brown

Occupational Therapy | Yong Liu

Physical Therapy | Maria Kristie Guillera

Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETTS) | Lashante Briscoe

English as a New Language | Sheilah Quinn

English as a New Language | Karina Lorenzo