• Special Education Referral Process

     100 Everitts Road

    Ringoes, New Jersey 08551

    Tel:  (908) 284-7680 Fax:  (908) 284-7685

     

     

    What is a referral?
    A referral is a written request for an evaluation that is given to the school district when a child is suspected of having a disability and might need special education services.

     

    Interventions in general education have been attempted and documented; the interventions do not alleviate educational difficulties.

     
    Who can make a referral?
    • Parents
    • School Personnel
    • Agencies concerned with the welfare of students

    If you believe that your child may have a disability, you may refer your child for an evaluation by submitting a written request to your school district.  When writing to the school district about special education issues, you may write to the school principal, director of special services, assistant director of special services, case manager or other appropriate school official.  This must be a letter (handwritten or typed) with an original signature of the parent/guardian.

     

    It is important to include the following information in the referral letter:

    • Your name
    • Your child's name
    • Your child's school and grade level (if applicable)
    • Your phone number and address
    • Reason for referral or concerns
     
    What happens when a referral is made?
    Within 20 calendar days (excluding school holidays, but including summer vacation) following receipt of a referral of a student, the Child Study Team (school social worker, school psychologist and learning disabilities teacher consultant) shall meet with the parent and the student’s regular education teacher to determine the need for a comprehensive evaluation and to design an Evaluation Plan.  A speech and language specialist will also attend the meeting if the suspected disability included that area or the child is age 3-5.  Upon receipt of parental consent, the evaluation will begin.
     
    Are students automatically tested if the request is made?
    No.  Once a request for a Child Study Team evaluation is made, an identification meeting must be scheduled.  At that meeting, it is determined if a Child Study Team Evaluation is warranted and if so, an evaluation plan is developed.
     
     
    Referral  
     
Last Modified on March 6, 2023