Referral, Evaluation and Eligibility for Special Education Services

Summary

Ashley Belknap, a parent consultant at the Utah Parent Center, shares her personal journey and insights into the special education process. She emphasizes the critical role parents play as experts on their children, urging collaboration with school personnel to create effective Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Highlighting key principles under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Ashley guides parents through the evaluation, referral, and IEP development processes. She also provides advice on understanding evaluations, advocating for children, and navigating the 13 eligibility categories for special education services, ensuring parents are well-prepared to support their children's educational needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The special education process is a collaborative effort between parents and school personnel to support a child's unique needs.
• 😀 Parents are experts on their child and provide invaluable insights in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process.
• 😀 The special education process begins with a referral, followed by an evaluation to determine eligibility for services.
• 😀 Under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), children with disabilities are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
• 😀 Special education services are provided at no cost to parents, including instruction in various settings like classrooms, homes, or hospitals.
• 😀 Parents have a central role in the IEP process, including participation in meetings and decision-making regarding their child's education.
• 😀 IEP meetings may feel intimidating, but putting aside barriers and focusing on the child's needs helps create a positive team dynamic.
• 😀 The evaluation process is thorough, considering a child’s health, behavior, intelligence, academic performance, and communication skills.
• 😀 If a parent disagrees with an evaluation, they can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense.
• 😀 IDEA emphasizes the importance of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), meaning children should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

Q & A

What is the role of parents in the special education process?

Parents play a critical role in the special education process as experts on their child's needs. They provide invaluable input and collaborate with school personnel to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that addresses their child's unique educational and support needs.

What is the difference between Part C and Part B of IDEA?

Part C of IDEA focuses on early intervention for children ages 0-3, providing services through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Part B covers children ages 3-22, providing services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

What does FAPE stand for, and why is it important?

FAPE stands for Free Appropriate Public Education. It is a fundamental principle under IDEA that ensures children with disabilities receive an education at no cost to the parents, tailored to meet their specific needs.

What are the six key principles under IDEA?

The six key principles under IDEA are: 1) FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), 2) Appropriate Evaluation, 3) IEP (Individualized Education Program), 4) LRE (Least Restrictive Environment), 5) Parent Involvement, and 6) Procedural Safeguards.

What is an IEP and why is it legally binding?

An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a legally binding document that outlines the specific educational services and supports a child with disabilities will receive. It is designed based on the child's individual needs and goals, and both parents and school personnel are required to follow it.

What is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in the context of special education?

The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) ensures that children with disabilities are educated in settings that are as close as possible to those with non-disabled peers, and only in more restrictive settings when necessary for their educational needs.

How does the evaluation process work in special education?

The evaluation process involves a comprehensive assessment to determine if a child has a disability and to identify their educational needs. This includes gathering information from multiple sources and using various testing methods, and the school must obtain written consent from parents before starting the evaluation.

What should parents do if they disagree with the results of their child's evaluation?

If parents disagree with the evaluation, they can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense. If the school shows the original evaluation was appropriate, parents may still pursue the IEE, but they will need to cover the cost themselves.

What is the importance of understanding the tests and evaluations given to a child?

It is essential for parents to understand the tests and evaluations to determine what they measure, how their child compares to the norm, and what the results mean for their child's education. Parents should ask for clarification and ensure the evaluation addresses all areas of the child's disability.

What should parents include when making a referral for an evaluation?

Parents should make the referral in writing, explaining their child's issues and why the evaluation is necessary. The letter should be clear and concise, ideally in bullet points, to ensure the concerns are communicated effectively to school staff.