Center for Special Services - Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services

Welcome to the Center for Special Services!

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.

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News from our schools

BluePath Service Dogs welcomed at Valhalla Center

Valhalla Center students were excited to welcome back their furry friend from the BluePath Therapy Dog Program! Students had the chance to pet, walk, and engage with the therapy dog, building both comfort and confidence through these meaningful interactions.

Therapy dogs provide more than just joy. They help students develop social and emotional skills, reduce stress and anxiety and create a calming presence in the classroom. For many students, engaging with a therapy dog also encourages communication, responsibility and positive peer interactions.

Programs like BluePath give our students a unique way to learn and grow while enjoying the unconditional love and support that only a furry friend can provide. We are so glad to have this special program as part of our school community!
News Feed - Valhalla Center
Open House + Paws to Learning = one busy, happy Saint Matt’s!

✨ Mission Accomplished! On September 30th, we hosted our Parent Open House, with about 50% of families joining us. Teachers shared highlights of our instructional program, community integration, work-based opportunities, and the many wonderful things happening in our school building. Principal Diana Dinzey also spoke about how SWBOCES supports families through SEPTA, helps facilitate communication and access to student data through eSchools, and offers ways for parents to stay involved in our school community.

🐾 The very next day, excitement filled the halls as we welcomed Wordly, the Blue Path Therapy Dog! Students loved spending time with Wordly; walking, petting, and soaking up lots of puppy love. It was a joyful day that reminded us of the many ways learning and connection happen at Saint Matt’s.

🌟 And out in the community, one of our new students was hard at work!

This is what life is like at Saint Matt’s—endless opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive, both inside our building and beyond.
St. Matthews
Destiny visits Transfiguration: BluePath Service Dogs bring joy, connection to students

Destiny, a visitor for BluePath Service Dogs, visited Transfiguration School, working with students there to provide comfort, engagement, social interaction and furry hugs to all. Students met and pet Destiny and took her on walks down the hallway with the assistance of a trainer.
News Feed - Transfiguration School
Transfiguration staff receive training in TCIS

Assistant Superintendent James Gratto and Social Worker Yolette Levy led staff in training in TCIS - Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools - at Transfiguration School in Tarrytown.
News Feed - Transfiguration School
Transfiguration School hosts Back-to-School Open House

It was a busy start to the week at Transfiguration School with Back to School Open House, featuring SEPTA's Donna Perazzo! That was followed by Principal Francesca Fernandez facilitating a question-and-answer session before visits to classrooms.
News Feed - Transfiguration School
St. Matthew's kicks off new year of Work-Based Learning

Saint Matthew’s students launched the 2025–26 Work-Based Learning Program with a kick-off that was especially exciting because it included students who are new to Saint Matt’s. They are already acclimating well and embracing the community integration aspect of the program. From supporting our building with daily tasks to working in downtown White Plains, our students are off to an amazing start.

A huge shoutout goes to both our school based and district based teams for ensuring students had the transportation needed to reach community job sites like the White Plains Library and DSW. Their support opened the door to these valuable opportunities. Even walking to nearby job sites provides meaningful learning—students practice navigating the community safely, building independence, and making their school day unique and purposeful.

Inside the building, students tackled jobs such as washing windows, vacuuming, bus duty, shredding, and delivering meals. Out in the community, they are thriving at Raymond Opticians, Big Apple Smoothie, Cantina Restaurant, Mamaroneck Avenue Food Market, White Plains Bakery, White Plains Laundry, Fair Deal Deli, and the Apple Movie Theatre. Teachers are also weaving these experiences into their lessons, teaching the skills students need out in the community and tailoring instruction to support their growth. We are so proud of all that our students are learning and accomplishing!
News Feed - St. Matthews
Extended Day programming features curriculum resources for staff

Teachers Leah Harris and Dori Kiplock engaged staff at the Transfiguration School during Extended Day with curriculum resources.
News Feed - Transfiguration School
Mr. Donald brings music, smiles to Rye Lake Lower Campus

Students at the Rye Lake Lower Campus had an amazing time making music with Mr. Donald from the Music Conservatory of Westchester. Their excitement filled the room as they explored rhythms, instruments, and songs together.'"

"We are so grateful to Mr. Donald and the Music Conservatory of Westchester for bringing such joyful, hands-on learning experiences to our students," Principal Jonathan Remeny said. "The smiles and energy in the room were priceless and we are so happy to have Mr. Donald with us each week."
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
Lower Campus students enjoy a September day outside

Students in Kris Cook's class at Rye Lake Lower Campus took a break from class work to play catch outside on a beautiful September day. "It is so nice to see students continuing to acclimate to their new campus," Principal Jonathan Remeny said.
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
Students give morning announcements over Lower Campus public address system

Students at Rye Lake Lower Campus have been encouraged and empowered to lead the school in the morning announcements. This week Julian Marino led the lower campus in the Pledge of Allegiance in Ms. Salka’s office. Julian's positivity and confidence was so contagious, he put everyone in a great mood for the day!
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
Lower Campus students have fun bowling, cheering each other on

Students, including Dilhan Marin and Mason Seward, pictured here, in Ms. Liebman’s class participated in bowling on Friday, led by their APE Teacher, Diane Storm. Assistant Principal Salka was so impressed with students' bowling, dancing, and cheering each other on!
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus