Student Services
| ||||
MD Program
Multiply Disabled (MD) Program (Grades K–3)
Igniting the potential of every learner through individualized, research-based instruction.
Multiply Disabled (MD) Program Leadership
Dr. Michael T. Snyder
Director of Student Services
Email: msnyder@rumsonschool.org
Dr. Erin O'Connell
Principal, Deane-Porter Elementary School
Email: eoconnell@rumsonschool.org
Mrs. Nancy Salamone
Special Education Teacher, Multiply Disabled (K-3) Program
Email: nsalamone@rumsonschool.org
Program Overview:
The Rumson School District’s Multiply Disabled (MD) Program, housed at Deane-Porter Elementary School, provides a comprehensive, inclusive, and nurturing environment for students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 who present with multiple disabilities affecting their academic, communication, and functional development. The program’s mission is to maximize independence, communication, and social-emotional growth through individualized programming, small group instruction, and a collaborative, multidisciplinary team approach.
Program Highlights:
-
Individualized Instruction: Each student’s learning plan is customized to align with IEP goals
-
Small Class Sizes: Low student-to-staff ratios ensure each child receives personalized attention and targeted interventions.
-
Inclusive Opportunities: Students participate in school-wide activities, specials, and peer-based learning experiences whenever appropriate.
-
Collaborative Team Approach: Certified special education teachers, instructional aides, and related service providers work seamlessly together to promote student success.
Curriculum & Instructional Tools :
Instruction within the MD classroom is structured, multisensory, and data-driven, integrating research-based curricula and methodologies, including:
-
TeachTown – adaptive academic and social-emotional learning curriculum
-
ABLLS-R – Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised for progress monitoring
-
Edmark Reading Program – sight-word based literacy instruction
-
TouchMath – multisensory math instruction
-
Life Skills Curriculum – self-care, communication, and community readiness
Classroom instruction incorporates visual supports, task analysis, positive behavior supports, and applied behavior analytic (ABA) principles to promote engagement and independence.
Related Services & Support Team
Our MD program integrates a full complement of related services designed to address communication, sensory, physical, and behavioral needs. Related Service Providers
-
Occupational Therapist: Stephanie Valdeo
-
Physical Therapist: Sibel Zentai
-
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): Durie Leidner
-
Speech-Language Pathologist: Jamie Caruso
-
Speech therapy is typically delivered using a combination of the pull-out and push-in models in order to allow for generalization of communication skills. Therapist uses a collaborative approach to ensure each students’ individual communication needs are met across all academic environments.
-
Instructional Aides
-
Lisa Taddeo
-
Jennifer Drach
-
Madeline Barbeito
Together, the classroom teacher, related service staff, and instructional aides collaborate daily to ensure cohesive, meaningful instruction across academic, communication, and functional domains.
Family Partnerships
Family collaboration is central to the program’s success. Staff maintain consistent communication with families through progress updates, data reviews, and shared goal setting. Parents are encouraged to participate in classroom activities, IEP meetings, and program events to strengthen the home-school connection.
Program Placement Process
Enrollment in the MD Program occurs through the Child Study Team (CST) process following comprehensive evaluations and determination of eligibility.For tuition-in placements from neighboring districts, Rumson follows a structured five-step process:
-
Referral Submission (by district CST)
-
Document Review (IEP, evaluations, and reports)
-
Observation & Intake Visit
-
Team Decision & Placement Approval
-
Transition & Enrollment Plan
Location
Deane-Porter Elementary School
60 Forrest Avenue
Rumson, NJ 07760
Interested in Learning More?
Districts or families seeking additional information about program eligibility, observation opportunities, or tuition-in placements may contact the Department of Student Services at 732-842-0811 or email msnyder@rumsonschool.org
