Frequently Asked Questions

What is a BOCES?

The Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) provides a range of educational and support services to school districts across New York State on a cooperative basis. Many times, these are services that an individual district may not, by itself, be able to provide. Each BOCES is led by a district superintendent. The Capital District BOCES superintendent is Charles S. Dedrick.

What is BOCES Special Education?

The Capital Region BOCES Special Education Division offers a comprehensive array of programs designed to meet the needs of disabled and non-disabled students. Students are placed in specific programs according to their individual academic capabilities and social/behavioral needs. Our goal is to create stimulating and challenging learning environments in which children and teens can achieve to the best of their own potential.

The Capital Region BOCES promotes achievement and success by providing our students with the opportunity to access the general education curriculum, as well as to fully participate (when appropriate) in the New York State Assessment Program. All BOCES special education program curriculum is adapted to meet the New York State Learning Standards and provides individualized instruction.

BOCES Special Education also offers extensive support services for districts, including itinerant services, consultation services and staff development.

What types of students attend BOCES special education programs?

The Capital Region BOCES offers a comprehensive array of special education programs for students who are moderately to severely disabled from ages 6 to 21.

How does a child or teen become eligible for BOCES special education?

Children are placed in BOCES special education programs at the direction of their local school district's Committee on Special Education (CSE). Programs described on this Web site are intended to provide general information, not to recruit students. If a parent or caretaker suspect his or her child has a disability, he/she should contact the local school district and ask to speak with the director of special education or CSE chairperson.