Starting the Process

How to Make a Referral

Preschool-Age Children

• Please complete Special Education Support Request or contact Crystal Dickson at the JCPS Diagnostic Center at (502) 357-7661. Please see the Early Childhood Education page for more information.

School-Age Students Enrolled in JCPS

• Please contact your child's school and ask to speak to the school counselor. 

School-Age Students Enrolled in Private, Religious, or Not Enrolled in School

• Please complete the Special Education Support Request Form or contact Lisa Schmidt at (502) 485-3539. 

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 support without an ECE evaluation. 

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

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

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 with 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 through Tier 1 interventions.

• Tier 2—Some students may need additional support 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 support, 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 part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which 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.