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Dr. Elizabeth Alexis
District Director of Special Education & ENL
Phone: (516) 622–6517
Email Dr. Elizabeth Alexis

Pupil Personnel Services Office Support Staff

• Mrs. Theresa McCarrick (516) 622-6522 

• Mrs. Sandra Veneroni  (516) 622-6412 

• Ms. Marian Carnesi (516) 622-6405 

• Mrs. Ivana Docyk (516) 622-6528

Carle Place School District operates a comprehensive special education program with a warm, supportive and motivating atmosphere. Our policies and procedures foster students’ right to a “free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.” The special education department services all students with various disabilities from the ages of three through twenty-one.  Carle Place Schools offer specialized programs and related services employing differentiated instruction while focusing on students’ individualized needs. Special education teachers work cooperatively with general education teachers to achieve a learning environment with the least restrictions. For students who need additional support we provide an in-district Life Skills Program to enable them to achieve the highest level of independence and acquire the skills necessary to be successful individuals and life-long learners.

The policies and procedures of Carle Place‘s Special Education Department is overseen by the Board of Education and regulated by New York State and Federal laws.

Pupil Personnel services (PPS) is an integral part of educational services in the Carle Place School District.  PPS provides district-wide health services, psychological and social work services, speech and language services, home instruction, Section 504 accommodations and special education programs and services.  The Board of Education appoints the Committee on Special Education (CSE), the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), and the Subcommittees on Special Education (SCSE) all of which are under the auspices of PPS.  These committees make recommendations to the Board of Education for specialized programs and services for children with special needs who attend school in the Carle Place School District. In each building there is Section 504 Committee in place to develop accommodation plans providing all students equal access to educational programs and activities.

Any parent that suspects his/her child ages 3-21 has a disability may refer the child for an evaluation by the Committee on Special Education or the Committee on Preschool Special Education.  For more detailed information regarding your rights regarding the referral and evaluation of your child for special education services, access: Special Education in New York State for Children Ages 3-21 A Parent’s Guide.

School Age Children (ages 5 to 21):  If you suspect that your school - age child has a disability, contact the school psychologist in your child’s school.

School Psychologists:

• Cherry Lane School: Dr. Michele Pakula (516) 622-6401

• Rushmore Avenue School:  Ms. MaryJo Dellino (516) 622-6532

• Carle Place MS/HS:  Dr. Melissa Furino (516) 622-6419

• Carle Place MS/HS:  Mrs. Lindsay Waskowitz (516) 622-6415

Preschool Children (ages 3 to 5):  If you suspect that your preschool child has a disability, contact the Pupil Personnel Services office (516) 622-6502 or Dr. Michele Pakula:  Chairperson of the Committee on Preschool Special Education (516) 622-6401