Special Education

Tapestry Charter School provides an inclusive educational program to meet the educational needs of all students.

Our total student population currently stands at 625 for grades K-12. Approximately 12% of these children are classified as having special needs and 5% of these children receive Section 504 services (Americans with Disabilities Act). These classifications include: Learning Disabled, Speech Impaired, Hearing Impaired, and Other Health Impaired.

All program services are provided in a fully included model and are consistent with what is mandated on each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan. The Tapestry Charter School staff members that are certified in special education and school counseling deliver consultant teacher services and school-based counseling services. Tapestry also has a speech therapist on staff to provide students with speech services. Related services are provided on-site and in collaboration with the Buffalo Public Schools. These services include: Occupational therapy, Hearing Impaired, and Vision Impaired services.

In accordance with New York State Education Law, Tapestry Charter School does not have its own Committee on Special Education (CSE); however, services are approved by Buffalo Public School’s CSE. All of our classrooms are designed to meet the educational needs of classified and non-classified learners, because of our emphasis on differentiated (individualized) instruction. Reading support and Academic Intervention Services are provided to students who demonstrate a need for added educational support. As per the New York State Education guidelines, Tapestry Charter School complies with the ‘Response to Intervention’ model.