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.
We are hiring Teacher Aides
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!
News from our schools
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SWBOCES employees and their family members joined the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Manhattanville College on Sunday, Oct. 20. Their efforts, which have become an annual tradition, raised $1,738 for the American Cancer Society. Special thanks to Team Captain Mairead Schuelein from Tappan Hill School, pictured here along with Principal Francesca Fernandez, Assistant Principal Jonathan Remeny, LHRIC Executive Director Ellen McDonnell, and LHRIC Assistant Director Madalyn Romano, among many others who participated.News Feed - Center for Special Services
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Pink Out! Tappan Hill team dons pink for breast cancer awareness
In an annual tradition, faculty and staff at Tappan Hill School in Tarrytown wore pink Friday, Oct. 18, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
News Feed - Tappan Hill -
SEPTA hosts virtual meet and greet Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Join the Southern Westchester BOCES Parent Teacher Association for its annual Fall Meet and Greet virtual event this Thursday, Oct. 17, at. 6:30 p.m. SEPTA is a vibrant network of parents and SWBOCES educators from our Center for Special Services. Events throughout the school year seek to provide resources, guidance and support to families of students with special needs in our programs. View or download the flyer linked here. We look forward to seeing you.
Topic: SEPTA Meet and Greet
Time: Oct 17, 2024 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 951 5388 8293
Passcode: 816950SEPTA -
Tappan Hill students stir up pumpkin pudding for a fall treat
A creamy twist on everything pumpkin spice makes for yummy lessons
After going to the store to purchase the ingredients, Teacher Kristin Cook's class at Tappan Hill School made pumpkin pudding. The fun and delicious exercise provided opportunities for instruction around making the shopping list, identifying the right ingredients, selecting them from store shelves and actually making the recipe as a class.
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Tarrytown heroes make Tappan Hill students' day with visit
Local police and firefighters stop by to mark Fire Prevention Week
Tarrytown police officers and firefighters answered the call and paid a visit to Tappan Hill School on Friday, Oct. 11, fulfilling an annual tradition that students and staff alike eagerly anticipate.
These community heroes arrived in rumbling firetrucks and sleek patrol vehicles, opening their doors for students to climb aboard, posing for photos and embracing our students as treasured members of the Tarrytown community. Coinciding with Fire Prevention Week each year, the Tarrytown Police and Fire Departments renew this connection with the Tappan Hill team and their students.
“We so appreciate the dedication and the genuine affection our Tarrytown first responders show for our students,” Tappan Hill Principal Francesca Fernandez said. “This is always a wonderful community interaction for our students not only to learn but to enjoy climbing onto the firetrucks and meeting the officers and firefighters.”
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Garden classroom will serve as a vocational learning station for students
Greenhouse unveiled on Rye Lake Lower Campus
A new greenhouse erected over the summer and unveiled Oct. 10 just outside the Decagon Building on Southern Westchester BOCES' Rye Lake Lower Campus, will serve as a year-round vocational opportunity for students in the AIIM program.
Principal Julia Dolan, joined by Special Education PTA Vice President Donna Perazzo and David, one of th students active in the campus's gardening program, cut a bright orange ribbon across the greenhouse doors using, fittingly, a pair of garden shears.
“We are thrilled to finally be opening this greenhouse,” Principal Julia Dolan said. “It’s been a long time coming. About two years ago we opened our garden, which has been really phenomenal for the students and for the staff.”
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus -
Tappan Hill students create colorful floral arrangements
Classroom Teacher Kristin Cook's class was hard at work putting together flower arrangements for an upcoming event. The students helped in various ways, such as choosing the flowers to include in each bouquet, making labels, and arranging the flowers in vases.News Feed - Tappan Hill -
Class projects, cuisine reflect multiple countries and cultures
St. Matthew's celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Festive décor and authentic cuisine made for an enjoyable luncheon to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, at St. Matthew’s School in White Plains.
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Apple season is time to make applesauce at Tappan Hill
Fall is apple season, and one of the favorite snacks among students at Tappan HIll School is applesauce. Always centering our activities around instruction and real-life learning opportunities, we decided it was the perfect time to make applesauce! Students helped make it from scratch, learning about the process, peeling the apples and ultimately preparing a sweet fall treat for all to enjoy.
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Rye Lake Campus MS/HS welcomes families for Fall Open House
The Rye Lake Campus Middle-High School opened its doors to families of students for a Fall Open House event. Family members met with Principal Eric Ford and his instructional team, toured the school and learned about the curriculum and programs in which their students are enrolled.
News Feed - Rye Lake Middle/High School
Visit our program locations
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School Closed - Staff Prof. Development
St. Matthews -
No School
The Valhalla Center -
No School
The Valhalla Center -
School Closed in Observance of Veteran's Day
St. Matthews -
Early Dismissal for Students (11:30am)
St. Matthews -
Half Day Early Dismissal 11:10am
The Valhalla Center -
School Closed
The Valhalla Center -
School Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving Holiday
St. Matthews -
School Closed
The Valhalla Center -
Half Day student early dismissal 11:10am
St. Matthews -
Half Day Dismissal at 11:10
The Valhalla Center -
School Closed in Observance of Holiday Recess
St. Matthews -
Holiday Recess
The Valhalla Center -
School Re-Opens
St. Matthews -
School Resumes
The Valhalla Center