Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services programs support the needs of students with disabilities by offering specialized instruction tailored to the learning needs, individualized educational plans and life goals of each student. Our six school programs offer environments in which social emotional and academic learning are integrated so that students develop confidence, self-esteem, self-reliance, and resiliency. We believe a growth mindset is the key to progress.
Our classrooms feature small staff-to-student ratios that provide for individualized support and attention. Staff and students develop positive learning communities where students can connect with peers and form friendships.
Our curriculum is aligned with New York State and Next Generation standards which aids in a smooth transition when students may be ready to return to their home districts. Our instructional professionals implement a comprehensive program that accounts for unique student learning styles and needs. Programs are therapeutic in nature and build in positive behavior supports and reinforcement.
Our clinicians and related service providers include psychologists, social workers, school counselors, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, teachers of reading and the deaf and visually impaired and crisis intervention specialists. Transition is a primary focus so school counselors and social workers support students and families in planning and readiness for returning to district or post-secondary experiences, including adult programming, vocational placements and college or career training. Our work with families is paramount to our students’ success. We partner with them in navigating community supports and services.
The Center is comprised of six schools on five campuses. Each program serves a diverse group of students ages 5-21 and offers opportunities in the visual arts, music instruction, technology, and physical education. Students also participate in health and wellness learning, community trips, and activities that build social skills.
Southern Westchester BOCES is seeking candidates for the key classroom role of Teacher Aides in our Center for Special Services. Get started today on a career in education.
Complete the application linked here. Make a difference in the lives of children. Apply today!
The opening days of school at Southern Westchester BOCES' Center for Special Services Valhalla Center location have been a time of enthusiasm and welcome as students returned for the 2024-25 school year. The promise of the year ahead is that of learning, friendships and growth.
Tappan Hill School staff were excited to greet students arriving on the first day of school! There were smiles all around the Tarrytown campus as another great school year got under way.
Staff at Tappan Hill busily prepared the school all week for students's arrival today, Sept. 5! Here we see staff engaging in a professional development exercise on communication from the Speech Department. We are looking forward to a strong start to the school year with our students!
After a decade spent in various administrative roles, Jonathan Remeny comes to Southern Westchester BOCES primed to support students and families more directly. Tappan Hill’s culture and setting offered him that opportunity in a way his previous roles didn’t afford. “I totally missed working with kids and staff on the day-to-day stuff,” he said.
Diana Dinzey joins Southern Westchester BOCES as principal at St. Matthew’s School and Valhalla Center after several years in teaching and administrative positions with the New York City Department of Education. She brings to her new role experience as a special education teacher, a team leader and, for the last two, years an assistant principal. “I love special education,” Ms. Dinzey says. “That’s the heart of the work I’ve always done.”
Southern Westchester BOCES educators at the Irvington High School location were encouraged to view their work through an equity lens and to engage in courageous conversations on the topic. “Where you start doesn’t determine where you finish,” Sadika Clarke, SWBOCES Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness, said. “But as educators, we can’t ignore factors that affect achievement.”
Earlier this month, the Olympics arrived at Tappan Hill School as students and staff participated in an Opening Ceremony with an Olympic torch, the Pledge of Allegiance, warm-up stretches and a dance party. Several activities were planned throughout the day, from bowling, water play and art to beanbag in a bucket, basketball, volleyball, carnival cups and tattoos. A great time was had by all.
Southern Westchester BOCES’s Special Services programs continue to harness gardening and growing of produce to develop instructional programs with a bounty of benefits for students. A newly erected greenhouse behind the Decagon Building on the Rye Lake Lower Campus will be the focus of lessons throughout the school year in horticulture, healthy eating, and myriad work-based learning opportunities for students in the AIIM program.
Come meet your child's teacher, related service providers, clinicians, nurses & administration!
More information to come.
