A referral is a written statement asking that the Shenendehowa School District evaluate your child to determine if he or she needs special education services. This written statement should be addressed to the chairperson in your school district’s Committee or your school principal. The referral may result in a request to have your child tested to see if he or she needs special education services. In some cases, you may want to meet with the principal before agreeing to test your child to discuss other ways to assist your child. As a result, the referral may be withdrawn.
You, the parent, can always make a referral for your child. Your child’s teacher or a professional in your child’s school may also make a referral to the Committee. Additional people who may make a referral include doctors, judicial officers (such as a family court judge or a probation officer) or a designated person in a public agency. For a preschool child, any of the people mentioned above may make a referral to the CPSE. In addition, a referral may also be made by someone from an Early Childhood Direction Center, an approved preschool program, or an Early Intervention Program that serves your child from birth to age three. A student over 18 and younger than 21 who is an emancipated minor may refer him/herself.
Six-step Process
Step 1: Referral Support for Students
Many students struggle at various times during their years in school. All buildings have many supports including a Child Study or Instructional Support Team.
Step 2: Initial Referral for Special Education Services
Students suspected of having a disability are referred to a multidisciplinary team called the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
Step 3: Individual Evaluation Process
The Committee evaluates the student’s abilities and needs.
Step 4: Determining Eligibility for Special Education Services
Based on evaluation results, the Committee decides if the student is eligible to receive special education services and programs.
Step 5: Individualized Education Program (IEP)
If the child is eligible to receive special education services, the Committee develops and implements an appropriate IEP, based on evaluation results, to meet the needs of the student.
Step 6: Annual Review/Reevaluation
The IEP is modified or revised by the Committee at an annual review. At least every three years, the student has a reevaluation to ensure that the student continues to need special education programs and services and to revise the IEP, as appropriate.
Timeline For Students With Disabilities Not Previously Identified And For Review Of Individualized Education Program
Referral Received
Provide notice to parent; request consent immediately. Inform building principal within five days.
Consent received or referral for review made
Within the next 60 days, the following steps will take place:
- For initial referrals, parent grants consent to evaluate within 30 days of receipt of referral.
- A referral for review of an IEP occurs.
- Conduct individual evaluation or reevaluation as appropriate.
- Notice of meeting five days prior.
- Conduct meeting; make recommendation. Notify parent and Board of Education (BOE). BOE may remand the recommendation back to the CSE or to a second CSE for reconsideration.
Day 60 – Implementation after recommendation received
- Arrange for services or programs
- No later than 30 days after recommendation
- Arrange for in-State or out-of-State private school placement.
