There are two primary ways in which children are identified as possibly needing special education and related. services.
The first is through an obligation that each and every school district has called "Child Find." The second is byway of referral of the child - either by a parent or school
personnel, such as a teacher or a principal.
What is Child Find?
Each state is required by IDEA (the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities in the statewho need special education and related services. To comply with this requirement, states conduct what are known as Child Find activities. When a child is identified by Child Find as possibly having a disability and as needing special education, parents may be asked for permission to evaluate their child.
What is the referral process?
Referral by the school: A school professional may ask that a child be evaluated. The school will notify the parent in writing to request that the parent attend a meeting to discuss the child. A team of professionals from the school district will attend and discuss what they know about the child, including the child's strengths and weaknesses and areas of concern.
Referral by a parent: A parent who has any concern about his or child at school should contact the school (email is best, or if in-person or by phone, follow-up with an e-mail), and say you are concerned your child may need special education and you want an evaluation. There are no specific words; rather, just let the school know you are concerned and want your child tested.
Under the federal IDEA and Arizona state regulations, the evaluation needsto be completed within 60 days after the parent gives consent for evaluation, so make sure to give consent ASAP.
No comments:
Post a Comment