It is the commitment of the Student Support Services Department (SSSD) to ensure that all students possess the academic skills needed to lead, contribute and learn throughout life in a global society by:

• collaborating with the community;

• meeting students' unique needs; and

• helping students realize their potential.

The Student Support Services Department promotes inclusive practices and offers a continuum of services that provide every student, regardless of ability, the opportunity to participate in a rigorous and meaningful curriculum in order to achieve maximum post-secondary education and employment outcomes. The department is led by Wendy Shepard-Bannish, Director, who supervises the provision of specialized services from both certified and non-certified staff. Certified staff includes Special Education Teachers, Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurses, Guidance Counselors, and Speech Pathologists. The non-certified staff includes the Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Behavior Analyst, Applied Behavior Analyst Assistants, Special Education Instructional Assistants, and the Executive Administrative Assistant.

Under the Child Find provisions of the Inpiduals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) and Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Amended Act (ADAA), the Bloomfield Board of Education (BOE) is responsible for locating, identifying and evaluating children ages 3-21 who require specialized instruction and related services. In addition, the Bloomfield BOE is responsible for providing a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to the maximum extent possible for all students with disabilities ages 3-21 who are enrolled in a public school.

The Student Support Services Department oversees special education, 504 services, homeless transportation, and any student placed in an out-of-district setting. Other major responsibilities include student programming, grant writing, staff evaluation, state reporting, accounts management, attending Planning and Placement Team meetings, consultation with other central office and building administrators, parents, outside agencies, budgeting, and professional development. The Student Support Services Department acts as the district’s Keeper of Records, 504 Coordinator, and is the district’s Homeless Liaison.