If your child will reach the age of 21 before June 30, 2021, he or she may still be eligible for special education beyond this school year.

S-3434 [insert link to bill] is on track to reach Governor Murphy’s desk for signature in early June. This bill requires boards of education to provide special education and related services to certain students exceeding the age of eligibility for special education and related services. The bill recognizes that students with disabilities have had major interruptions in services caused by the pandemic.

This extra year is not automatic, but if the IEP team (which includes the parents) determines that a student needs additional or compensatory special education and related services, including transition services, such services shall be provided.