Navigating the System
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERThings You Should Do:
- Gather all related reports that might assist professionals in getting to know your almost preschooler.
- Contact your resident school district’s special education office, to better understand the process.
- Know you are not in this alone; there are educational professionals to assist you.
- Keep notes of your concerns and your child’s progress. You know your child best.
Contact Special Education Department at Resident School District with Concerns:
- Parents with developmental or behavioral concerns request (in writing) an assessment to determine eligibility for special education services.
- District has 15 days to send an assessment plan (or letter stating reasons why assessment will not be completed).
Assessment Process
District receives signed assessment plan from parent.
- Parent shares other relevant information (medical reports, private evaluations).
- District has 60 days to complete assessment and hold an IEP meeting.
- Parent makes child available during school hours.
- District assesses in area of suspected disability.
- District determines if child is eligible, based on 13 federally established disabilities.
- District makes reports available prior to IEP meeting (if requested).
- Parent reviews reports and contacts district with questions.