Special Programs

Tonya Russell

Director of Special Programs

Parent Placed, Grades 3-5 including multi-aged classrooms

All of our students are members of the Canandaigua City School District's community of learners. Working as partners with families, we provide programs, supports and services that provide children the benefit of education in the least restrictive appropriate environment.

Special education programs and services support the academic, social-emotional and physical development of students with educational disabilities in environments that meet the individual needs of learners. Services may occur in home and preschool settings, in district public and non-public schools, in BOCES and approved private schools and in community-based education.

Special education is part of the fabric of the Canandaigua school community. Principals, regular and special education teachers, art, music, PE and technology teachers, nurses, psychologists, counselors, social workers, prevention specialists, speech therapists, occupational and physical therapists, teachers of the deaf and hearing impaired, community-based vocational education specialists, teacher aides, transportation staff, food services staff and buildings and grounds staff --all play an important role in ensuring that students with special needs are able to participate in the life of the school.

We welcome your calls, comments and questions as we seek to ensure that all students with disabilities, from age 3 to 21, receive a free, appropriate, public education

Click here for Special Education in New York State for Children Ages 3–21 A Parent’s Guide