Special Education: Centers for Innovative Teaching & Learning

Ulster BOCES provides programs for students ages five through twenty-one who are identified as needing specialized programs and/or supports according to their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Teacher reading a book to a student


Special Education programs are offered at the Centers for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Ulster Park, Port Ewen, and Saugerties, as well partnering with Camp Ramapo in Rhinebeck. They have been developed and offered to meet the specific needs of our students in order to assist them in realizing their potential to achieve both academically and socially.

The following programs are available in Special Class configurations of 12:1:1, 8:1:1, and 6:1:1. All classes are staffed by a full-time Special Education teacher and teaching assistant. (Additional supplementary 1:1 aides may be requested for individual students as per Committee on Special Education recommendations.)

Multiple programs are available.

Special Classes 12:1:1 
GED Academic Preparatory Program

K-12 Maple Academy
Autism Program (APIE) Elementary
Autism Program (APIE) Middle and High School 
Autism Program Alternatively Assessed Students (APIE/AA)
Life Skills Development Program (LSDP)

K-12 Oak Academy
Management Needs Program (MNP) Elementary
Management Needs Program at Camp Ramapo
Management Needs Program (MNP) High School

K-12 Cedar Academy
ALPHA Middle and High School Programs

K-12 Birch Academy
Short and Long Term Therapeutic Program

Summer School
Extended School Year (ESY)

Related & Itinerant Services
Related Services (BOCES In-house Student)
Itinerant Services (District-based)

Other Services
Assistive Technology Services
Long-Term Therapeutic Programs
Community School Resources
Behavior Support Team

Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning Headline News

A student poses behind a Mona Lisa poster in the Italy exhibit during the Ulster BOCES Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning’s Country Exploration Project-Based Learning experience on Friday, February 28.

Students at the Ulster BOCES Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) at Mt. Marion recently celebrated the culmination of a month-long project-based learning (PBL) cycle during the school’s Country Exploration Celebration of Learning, held on February 21 and 28. This immersive experience transformed classrooms into different “countries,” allowing students to showcase their research and discoveries about diverse cultures, traditions, and landmarks without ever leaving their school.

Read More about Students at Mt Marion Explore the World Through Country Exploration Celebration of Learning
Adults working on a project together

A team of educators from the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) recently delved into the next phase of designing learning environments that reflect Ulster BOCES’ commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and inspired so they can reach their fullest potential.

Read More about CITL Educators take a Deep Dive into Design for Deeper Learning and the Whole Brain Whole Child Approach
Students at the Center for Special Education in the classroom, at graduation, and posing for a photo with a fire helmet

Contact

Jillaine Berardi, Ed.D. 
Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design - Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning Program  

Leah Raftis
Assistant Director for the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning Student-Based Programs 

Michael Regan
Assistant Director for Special Education 

Gwen Kramer-Gold
Principal
Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Anna Devine 

Tonya Griffiths
Principal 
Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Mt. Marion 

Christina Rutella
Principal 
Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Port Ewen

Rachel Balaban
Assistant Principal
Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Port Ewen

David Goho
Assistant Principal 
Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Port Ewen 

Linda Rubin
Assistant Principal
Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Anna Devine 

Shelbi Hamilton
Assistant Principal 
Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Mt. Marion 


Port Ewen 
Route 9W, PO Box 1176

Port Ewen, NY 12466
Phone: 845.339.8707

Anna Devine
1372 Old Post Road

Ulster Park, NY 12487
Phone: 845.334.5915

Mt. Marion
744 Glasco Tpke,
Saugerties, NY 12477
Phone: 845.334.5930

How to Enroll

If you suspect your child has a disability or have been given a diagnosis by a medical practitioner, you can consider a referral to your school district’s Committee for Special Education (CSE). You may also want to meet with your child’s teacher and principal to share information about your child’s skills, abilities, and needs. After doing so, you may wish to state your concern and put the reasons for your suspicions into writing and provide copies of any prior evaluations and diagnoses to the chairperson of the CSE or the principal at your child’s school. You may discover that your child is eligible for support within the regular education program. This may be: short-term counseling through educationally related services, speech and language improvement services, curriculum and instructional modifications, or Academic Intervention Services.