Starting the Process

Things to Consider

If you think that your child may need Exceptional Child Education (ECE), also known as special education services, keep in mind that:

• Children learn and develop at different speeds and in different ways.

• Children who learn differently do not necessarily have a disability.

• Children should not be referred for ECE services only because of limited English proficiency.

Multilingual Learner (ML) Students

• Your child can get ML services and supports without an ECE evaluation. 

• Find out more here: JCSP Office of Multilingual Learners (OML)

• Please talk with the ECE Implementation Coach at your child's school if you would like an interpreter at your child's ARC meeting.  

Eligibility 

A student may be eligible for Exceptional Child Education services in the following categories: 

• Mild Mental Disability 

• Functional Mental Disability  

• Multiple Disabilities 

• Hearing Impairment  

• Visual Impairment  

• Speech/Language Impairment 

• Emotional Behavioral Disability  

• Orthopedic Impairment 

• Autism 

• Traumatic Brain Injury  

• Other Health Impairment  

• Deaf-Blindness 

• Specific Learning Disability 

• Developmental Delay (ages 3 through 8 years)

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a model for academic and behavioral interventions focused on providing systematic assistance to children who are having difficulty learning. MTSS utilizes frequent progress measurement and research‑based instructional interventions. MTSS is a multilevel approach that is adjusted and modified as needed.  A student must be provided with all tiered levels of interventions before ECE services are considered.  These interventions specifically target the areas that the student is struggling with and can include academic and/or behavioral issues.  

• Tier 1—These are the interventions that all students in the building receive. These include the proactive classroom strategies of explicit instruction, praise, correction, and re-teaching. Eighty percent of the students in the building are usually able to meet the schoolwide expectations though Tier 1 interventions.

• Tier 2—Some students may need additional supports beyond Tier 1 to meet expectations. These students may need additional group interventions or specialized classroom strategies. Fifteen percent of the students in the building will likely need Tier 2 interventions.

• Tier 3—Students needing Tier 3 supports, generally only 5 percent, need even more support. This may come from a behavior plan, interventions, specific classroom supports, and wrap-around services.

What's Next

If MTSS has been provided and your child still needs more support, you or the school staff can make a referral for an evaluation for ECE services. You can also request a Section 504 Accommodation plan if there is a medical disability. 

Section 504 Plan

Section 504 is the section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that protects the civil and constitutional rights of persons with disabilities. Any recipient both public and private that receives or benefits from federal financial assistance must comply with the requirements of Section 504. The school district must provide a free appropriate public education to each qualified disabled person. 

Find out more here : 504 Plans