Understanding the beginning steps of the special ed process can make the events flow much more smoothly. When the process is smooth and effective, it is easier to get the student the services he or she needs. Not sure about how the special education process begins? Let’s break it down.
The Start of the Special Education Process
1. Initiating the Process
There are two parties that can initiate the special ed process: parents/guardians and the school. Parents can initiate the special education process by formally requesting an evaluation of their student. A written request is always better than a phone call, as it creates a record of a paper trail and doesn’t get forgotten as easily as a phone call. It is also recommended to call the school or district and speak with the special ed admin/director to ask about the eligibility process in the district. This may vary from school to school and district to district, so it is important to do some research on the school district’s website. The school can also initiate the special ed process, but must notify the parent/guardian of its intent. If the school initiates the process, someone from the school will contact the parent/guardian and indicate the areas of concern, and more than likely schedule a meeting to discuss the concerns. The school can then recommend an evaluation, which is the first major step toward special education eligibility. The evaluation then leads into an IEP if the child is deemed eligible for special education services.
Check out this snippet from a live training inside the TII membership on evaluations requests:
The membership also provides guidance on Having an Organized IEP Process, which can be challenging for everyone.
You can join The Intentional IEP to gain access to over 150+ different IEP related trainings, and access to our IEP Goal Bank. Click the image above to join.
2. Understanding the Timeline
There are very clearcut timelines for the special education process and understanding the school’s responsibilities during that time is important. The timeline for evaluation for special ed services is variable, meaning it is dependent upon the state and school district. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) sets a timeframe of 60 days for the initial evaluation. However, each state may choose to set its own timeframe.
3. The Special Ed Evaluation
During an evaluation for special education services, the student will more than likely be tested over multiple days. This thorough evaluation is also known as a comprehensive educational evaluation to some. It must legally take place within the state’s designated timeframe. Each evaluator must be trained and have credentials in the area they are testing.
The assessment of the child must include: a review of the results of the evaluation, personal observations of the child, and identification of the child’s needs in each of the development areas. 34 C.F.R. § 303.321(c)(1).
4. Eligibility Meeting
After the special education evaluation has been completed, an initial IEP meeting will be held to discuss the evaluation. During the meeting, the IEP team will determine eligibility for special education services. This meeting is known as the eligibility meeting.
When joining The Intentional IEP – you will ave access to these brochures that can help your parents better understand the category in which their cild is eligible for Special Education Services. Join here, or click the image above.
5. Formal IEP
If the student is found eligible for special education services, the IEP Team will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for the child. It will include the student’s current levels, as well as goals and services to address areas of need. This is a legal, binding document and parents/guardians must sign it along with school officials.
Another brochure available to you with your Intentional IEP Membership is “What is an IEP?” Give one to your parents to help them better understand the plan that has just been created for their child. Join here, or click the image above.
While beginning the special ed process may seem intimidating, its systematic approach to providing students with the services they need is both reassuring and helpful. In order to get the most out of the special education process, make sure that parents and school officials alike understand the road to an IEP.
