Eligibility

Where to Begin?

Students, ages 3 through 21, can be found eligible for special education through a process called referral and evaluation.

1. REFERRAL - If you are concerned your child may have a disability that is affecting their progress in school, it's always helpful to speak with their teacher first. Either way, you as a caregiver have a right to refer your student for a special education evaluation at any time (a teacher or other professional may refer a student as well). No matter who makes the referral, the caregiver must give written consent before the special education evaluation process can begin. For examples of letters of written consent, please click HERE. The letter should be sent to the principal of your student's school as well as the Special Education Chairperson for their grade or school, and their adjustment counselor. 

2. CONSENT - Once the referral letter is submitted, your child's school must contact you asking for your written permission to begin the evaluation within five school days of receiving the referral. An evaluation of the student's educational strengths and needs must occur in order to determine eligibility.

3. EVALUATION - Now that you've granted the district permission to evaluate your student, they have 30 school days to have credentialed trained specialists evaluate your child. This evaluation will occur at your child's school and usually includes input from the caregivers, teacher observations, feedback from the student themselves, and other types of assessments based on your child's suspected disability and needs. At no time should information about your child be shared with others without your written consent. 

4. ELIGIBILITY - Finally, within 45 school days of the caregiver's consent, the Team determines eligibility for special education for your child.