Eligibility for Special Education Services
Special education services are designed for children who meet specific state and federal criteria, as determined by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Not all children with special needs require these services. Eligibility is assessed across fourteen categories:
- Intellectual Disability (formerly known as Mental Retardation)
- Emotional Disturbance
- Multiple Disabilities
- Hard of Hearing
- Orthopedic Impairments
- Autism
- Deafness
- Other Health Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Speech and Language Impairment
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- Established Medical Disability (ages 0 - 5)
- Vision Impairment
- Deaf/Blindness
Most students receive support through district programs such as Resource Specialist Programs, Special Day Classes, and Designated Instruction and Services (DIS). For students with needs beyond district capabilities, alternative placements may include county or non-public school programs.
Referral and Identification
If you suspect your child may have a disability and wish to request an assessment, please contact the school psychologist at your child’s home school. Alternatively, you can submit a written request for assessment to the Special Education Department or the school principal.
After receiving your request, the district will provide an assessment plan within 15 days, which will outline the proposed evaluations. If the request is denied, you will receive a Prior Written Notice explaining the reasons for the denial.
Upon written approval of the assessment plan, the district will have 60 days to complete the assessment and hold an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting to determine eligibility for services. Parents are equal members of the IEP team. If the IEP team finds that your child qualifies for special education services, an IEP will be created and implemented.
