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WELCOME

I am the district case manager for our special education preschool students and the social worker at Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School. My goal is to provide our students, parents, and teachers with a positive sense of support, caring, and respect that enables all of us to make each day at school a success. It is my absolute privilege to work with your children, the staff, and this community! I believe if we all work collaboratively, children will blossom.

 

What does the district preschool case manager do? 

A special education case manager is responsible for ensuring services and supports are in place and provided as determined by the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) and may act as a liaison between the student's teachers and parents. As the district preschool case manager, I have the opportunity to work with our littlest learners and their families. When children who have developmental disabilities—or are at risk for them—receive intervention early, they show positive changes in health, language and communication, cognitive development, and social and emotional development.

 

What does a school social worker do?

School social workers are trained mental health professionals with a degree in social work. They are vital links between home, school, and community. School social workers provide direct and indirect services to students, families, and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social successes. New Jersey Department of Education regulations require that the child study team includes a school psychologist, a learning consultant, and a school social worker, all of whom must be appropriately certified. The expertise of the social worker lies in assessing the student relative to the family, the school, and the community. The social worker generally gathers information concerning the student’s health, family, and school history as it pertains to the student’s current school functioning. The social worker is also the professional most responsible for coordinating community resources on behalf of students and their families.

 

What is preschool special education?

 Preschool Special Education helps children with developmental delays and disabilities achieve the best outcomes later in life. The services are available for children ages three to five.

Preschool Special Education services help children grow across the five main areas of development.
These areas are: 

  •     Motor (physical)
  •     Communication and Language
  •     Social and Emotional
  •     Adaptive (self-help)
  •     Cognitive

Children may be eligible for services if they are not able to learn, speak, or play like other children who are the same age. 

 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I look forward to working with you!

Tanya Leonhardt, MSW, LCSW
908.850.3161 ext 6056  or [email protected]