Federal and New Jersey law states that eligible students with disabilities are entitled to a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment from the age of 3 to 21. The information and resources provided on this page outline the services and supports available to families and students.
The NJ Department of Education (DOE) is home to the following Special Education Offices.
NJ Office of Special Education
The NJ Office of Special Education (OSE), housed in the DOE, is responsible for overseeing all the services and supports provided by the DOE that promote improved outcomes for students with disabilities. For children (ages 3 to 21) with intellectual or developmental disabilities, local school districts play a lead role in the provision of supports and services – a role that is rooted in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as the corresponding New Jersey law. Students with disabilities are entitled to Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). In order to provide a Least Restrictive Environment, the OSE may determine that a child should receive their education and related services “out-of-district” at public or private schools outside of the student’s district or the state. The OSE also provides a FAPE by designing Individualized Education Program (IEP) to meet the child’s specific needs.
If there are concerns about a preschool child or student who may be developing or learning differently, contact the local school district where the child resides. Additionally, under IDEA, all states must have policies and procedures in place requiring schools to locate, identify, and evaluate students with disabilities for special education and related services.
NJ Office of Special Education Policy and Dispute Resolution
The NJ Office of Special Education Policy and Dispute Resolution (SPDR) has a responsibility under federal statute to operate a system of general supervision that monitors the implementation of the IDEA by local education agencies (LEAs).
SPDR develops the Parental Rights in Special Education Guide, required under New Jersey State law. SPDR accepts petitions for mediations, due process hearings, and emergent relief. Petitions for due process may be submitted by email to osepdisputeresolution@doe.nj.gov.
View a full list of special education legal protections and responsibilities.
NJ Office of the Special Education Ombudsman
The role of the Special Education Ombudsman is to serve as a resource to provide information and support to parents, students, and educators regarding special education rights, services, and state and federal laws. The ombudsman also provides information and support to parents of students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate the process for obtaining special education evaluations and services.
To contact the Special Education Ombudsman:
Phone: 609-376-9060
Email: OSEinfo@doe.nj.gov
NJ Office of Student Transportation
The NJ Office of Student Transportation, housed in the Office of School Finance, is responsible for developing regulations and procedures for safe and efficient student transportation services to and from school and school-related activities.
NJ Guides to Special Education Rights
NJ Administrative Code
The Learning Resource Center Network
The Learning Resource Center Network (LRC) is a project of the NJ DOE and the OSE, funded through IDEA Part B funds. The materials and resources at the LRCs are provided to support the education of students with disabilities, helping them to succeed and to achieve in the least restrictive environment. Services offered include information, a library of books, training resources and materials, and professional learning opportunities.
NJ County Offices of Education
The NJ County Offices of Education are the focal point of general support, oversight, and routine communications between local school districts and the DOE's central offices. The county offices are the main responders to inquiries from families on most routine matters.
The US Department of Education (ED) is home to the following Offices that provide information and resources to students with disabilities.
US Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services
The US Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) supports programs that help educate children and youth with disabilities and provides for the rehabilitation of youth and adults with disabilities. OSERS provides a wide array of supports to parents and individuals, school districts, and states in two main areas: special education and vocational rehabilitation.
The US Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal civil rights laws in schools and other recipients of DOE funding. OCR’s mandate is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence through eliminating discriminatory barriers.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey