Timeline for Special Education Services
In most cases the process begins with the Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) process at the school level. A referral for testing and possible services follows the timeline below. If you believe that your child may need to be evaluated for Special Education services, please contact your child's school to start the process.
A referral meeting is held with the school team and parents.
Initial referral for Special Education is made and a copy of procedural safeguards are given to parents.
If a decision is made to evaluate, a Prior Written Notice for Consent for Initial Evaluation will be completed and sent home for parent consent (signature), a copy of the procedural safeguards will be given to parents.
A Written Consent for evaluation is obtained from parent/s or guardian/s.
School personnel have 60 calendar days from receipt of Written Consent to administer assessments to complete the evaluation for Special Education.
Within the 60 day timeline an eligibility meeting is held to determine if the student is eligible for Special Education and related services.
If the student is found eligible for special education and related services, school personnel have an additional 30 days to convene an Individual Education Program (IEP) meeting and finalize the initial IEP. Parents will receive Notice of IEP meeting to confirm date/time to meet and review/discuss information obtained.
An IEP meeting happens within 30 calendar days of completion of assessments. If your child qualifies for Special Education services, parents must sign a consent form to begin services.
Special Education services begin. Another IEP meeting will reconvene in a year from the date of the meeting to review services.