Special Education

The philosophy of Special Education in the Kingston City School District is to provide for the early identification and assessment of potentially disabled students. This district is committed to providing an appropriate individualized Special Education Program for students as required by New York State Education Department regulations and the Committee on Special Education.

The Kingston City School District Special Education Department provides the continuum of service models. This model includes, but is not limited to, the provision of the following: related services, transitional support services, resource room, inclusion, consultant teacher services, self-contained classes, BOCES programs, 853 Day School, homebound/hospital instruction, and residential placement.

Students with disabilities in the Kingston City School District are considered an integral part of the total student population. The District is committed to provide excellence in education to both disabled students and their non-disabled peers.

It is the goal of the Teaching and Learning Department, in conjunction with the Board of Education policies, to provide the least restrictive learning environment for disabled students within the regular school program. Management, academic, physical, and social needs are addressed for each student in order to promote success in regular settings on all levels of education.

Forms and Documents

Commonly Asked Questions

What is an IEP?

IEP stands for "Individualized Education Program." It's a program, protected by law, that makes sure that a student with a disability receives special education services. Per the requirements of the program, the IEP must outline activities and supports that will help the student transition to adult living, learning, and employment. A student is eligible to receive services identified by their IEP through the age of 21, or until graduation with a regular high school diploma.

What is a 504 plan?

What is ACCES-VR?

ACCES-VR stands for "Adult Career and Continuing Education Services Vocational Rehabilitation." ACCES-VR assists individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living through training, education, rehabilitation, and career development. Students need to apply for ACCES-VR and be found eligible in order to receive services.

How Do I Apply for ACCES-VR?

What is OPWDD?

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) provides essential supports and services—such as care management, in-home respite, habilitation, and specialized therapies—to individuals with developmental disabilities. Parents should initiate the "Front Door" application process in grade school to secure long-term supports, access early intervention, and navigate complex, lengthy eligibility procedures before adulthood

How do I apply for OPWDD?

What is Westchester Institute for Human Development?

contact us

To email an employee, use the
email listed, followed by @kingstoncityschools.org

Kenneth Poka
Executive Director
845.943.3067
Email: kpoka

Kayla Lamb
Director, Elementary (@ GW)
845.943.3064
Email: klamb2

Brandon Green
Director, Secondary (@ Meagher)
845.943.3764
Email: bgreen

Joyce Long
Director, Out of District & Special Programs (@ Meagher)
845.943.3022
Email: jlong

Julie Craig
CPSE Chair, Committee on Pre-School Education (SpEd Suite @ GW)
845.943.3531
Email: jcraig

Ann Marie Melchionne
Clerical Support, Committee on Pre-School Education (SpEd Suite @ GW)
845.943.3532
Email: amelchionne

Allison Taylor
CSE Chair, Elementary (SpEd Suite @ GW)
845.943.3080
Email: ataylor

Erica Peterson
Clerical Support, Elementary (SpEd Suite @ GW)
845.943.3079
Email: epeterson

Hillary Dimin
CSE Chair, Middle School (SpEd Suite @ HS)
845.943.3071
Email: hdimin

Amie Terpening
Clerical Support, Middle School (SpEd Suite @ HS)
845.943.3062
Email: aterpening

Jenn Freer
CSE Chair, High School (SpEd Suite @ HS)
845.943.3775
Email: jfreer

Lisa Naccarato
Clerical Support, High School (SpEd Suite @ HS)
845.943.3768
Email: lnaccarato

Jami Craig
CSE Chair, Out of District (@ Meagher)
845.943.3075
Email: jcraig1

Amy Pettit
Clerical Support, Out of District (@ Meagher)
845.943.3023
Email: apettit

Cassidy Kennedy
Senior Account Clerk, Out of District (@Meagher)
845.943.3074
Email: ckennedy

21 Wynkoop Place
Kingston, NY 12401

In This Section