Football Jersey Day

January 17, 2025

At Manhattan Charter School (MCS), we are committed to ensuring that all students receive the support and resources they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Our services comply with federal and state mandates, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and New York State Education Department (NYSED) laws. To support our diverse student population, we provide Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT), Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), 504 Plans, related services, and Multilingual Learner/English as a New Language (MLL/ENL) services 

FAQ

Special Education Services

Legal Frameworks

IDEA: Ensures services for students with disabilities and mandates collaboration.

ESSA: Focuses on equity and accountability in education.

FERPA: Protects student education records and ensures confidentiality.

Part 100/200 Regulations: Governs special education in New York State, aligning with federal laws.

Key Components of Special Education:

NYSED Blueprint: Framework for improving special education outcomes.

PII: Importance of safeguarding personal identifiable information.

FOIL: Right to access government records, promoting transparency.

IEP and 504 Plans

IEP Process: Overview of evaluation, goal setting, and progress monitoring.
504

Accommodations/Modifications: Differentiating accommodations from modifications under Section 504.

Services/Accommodations at MCS

Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT):

  1. Combines the expertise of a general education teacher and a special education teacher in one classroom.
  2. Ensures students with disabilities access the same curriculum as their peers through differentiated instruction.
  3. Encourages peer collaboration and supports the social-emotional growth of all students.

Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS):

  1. Offers individualized or small-group instruction to address specific academic and behavioral needs.
  2. Focuses on bridging learning gaps while supporting student success in the general curriculum.

Response to Intervention (RTI):

  1. A tiered system of support for early identification and assistance for struggling students.
  2. Utilizes data-driven strategies and progress monitoring to provide targeted academic and behavioral interventions.

504 Plans:

  1. Provides accommodations and modifications to ensure equal access to the curriculum for students with disabilities.
  2. Addresses barriers related to physical, emotional, or academic needs within the classroom and school environment.

Related Services:

  1. Includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling services, as mandated by the Committee on Special Education (CSE).

Transportation for Special Education Services

  1. Under Education Law § 4401(1), transportation is considered part of special education. MCS arranges transportation for students receiving services at alternate sites and works with districts to provide “supplemental transportation” when needed.

MCS SPED 1-Pager

NYC Department of Education

As an independent charter school, MCS complies with all federal and state mandates under the oversight of the Board of Regents and our charter entity.

Committee on Special Education (CSE): Manages Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and related services for students, ensuring IDEA compliance.

State Education Department (SED): Ensures IDEA and NYSED law compliance for both MCS and school districts. Parents or districts may file complaints with the SED if concerns arise regarding IDEA or NYSED compliance.

Why Choose MCS?

MCS offers a comprehensive, inclusive framework that supports diverse learners: Inclusion and Equity: ICT, SETSS, and ENL services ensure all students access a rigorous curriculum. Comprehensive Support: Individualized plans address academic, behavioral, and language development needs. Improved Outcomes: A focus on collaboration, differentiated instruction, and progress monitoring fosters academic and social success.

English Language Learners Services

In accordance with NYSED regulations, MCS provides targeted support for Multilingual Learners (MLLs) and English Language Learners (ELLs) to ensure they can access the curriculum while building proficiency in English.

Tailored Instruction: ENL-certified teachers provide direct instruction and push-in support tailored to students’ language development levels.

Inclusive Environment: Students participate in general education settings with necessary accommodations to promote inclusion and academic growth.

Progress Monitoring: Regular assessments ensure students are progressing toward English language proficiency and meeting academic standards.

Cultural Responsiveness: Instruction is designed to celebrate and integrate students’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Dismissal Changes

No Pick-Up Policy

Manhattan Charter School has a no student pick-up policy when the school is at lunch and recess. Any parents wishing to pick up their child between these hours must make prior arrangements with the Family Relations and Attendance Coordinator and the student’s teacher.
MCS 1 11:00am-1:00 pm
MCS 2 11:30am-1:30 pm

Early Pick Up Policy

If a parent or guardian must occasionally pick up their child early, they will be accommodated only until 2:30 pm. Early pick-ups must take place in the main office. Please note: we will not be able to bring students to the main office for early pick up after 2:30 p.m.

Please call the MCS main office or email your child’s dismissal change information.

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