Referral and Eligibility Process

The IEP is reviewed on an annual basis based on when your child is initially found eligible. However, the IEP team can determine to review the document before that date if the team, including the parent feels it is appropriate.

If your child is determined to be eligible for special education and related services, a meeting will be held to develop your child’s IEP. The IEP is a written plan that describes in detail your child’s special education program. The IEP will describe how your child currently performs and your child’s specific instructional needs, including annual goals and short term objectives.

When the evaluation is completed, eligibility is determined collaboratively at a meeting according to N.J.A.C. 6A:14­2.3(k)1.8. To be eligible for special education and related services:

- a student must have a disability according to one of the eligibility categories

- the disability must adversely affect the student’s educational performance

- the student must be in need of special education and related services

Once it is determined that assessments are necessary an initial evaluation plan is developed and the parent/guardian gives written permission. The district then has ninety (90) days to complete the necessary evaluations. Within the ninety (90) days, an Eligibility Conference is scheduled where the evaluations are interpreted and it is determined if the student is eligible for special education and/or related services.

An evaluation is the process used to determine whether your child has a disability. This process includes a review of any relevant data, and the individual administration of any tests, assessments and observations of your child. For an initial evaluation, at least two child study team members and other specialists, as required or as determined necessary, must participate. A minimum of two assessments of your child are needed to determine eligibility for special education and related services. Each assessment must be conducted by a person who has appropriate training, or who is qualified to conduct the assessment through his or her professional license or certification.

Once the referral has been made, the Case Manager has twenty (20) calendar days (excluding school holidays) to schedule an Identification Meeting. Attending this meeting are a social worker, school psychologist, learning disabilities teacher-consultant, classroom teacher, speech & language specialist (if the suspected disability includes that area or the child is age 3-5) and the parent(s). If an evaluation will be conducted, another decision is made about the types of testing and other procedures that will be used to determine if your child needs special education services. If an evaluation will not be conducted, recommendations may be made with respect to interventions or services to be provided the student in general education.

If you are a Roxbury resident, and would like to request that your child be evaluated by the Child Study Team, you may do so by submitting a letter of request to the Office of Special Services via mail or hand delivery. The referral should include:

◻︎ Child's full name and date of birth

◻︎ An explanation of why you would like your child evaluated

◻︎ Any example or detail of your concerns that would assist us in composing the appropriate evaluation team

◻︎ Your contact information including address, phone number, and email address

◻︎ Submission of the letter with original signature

Parents, teachers, administrators, agencies concerned with the welfare of a student including NJDOE.

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.