Referral Process to the Child Study Team Whenever a teacher, parent, staff member or other person with knowledge of a student's development believes that a student may have an educational disability that requires special education and related services to benefit, a referral must be made to the school's child study team. Frequently, as a result of a consultation with the school Intervention and Referral Team (IRT) or Student Assistance Team (SAT), educational concerns are effectively addressed.

A referral must be made in writing. Each of the district's schools has referral forms and procedures required for implementing the referral process. Parents who disagree with the school's denial for a referral, or parents of preschool students, can refer their child with letter requesting an evaluation. Letters can be directed to the school principal or district Director of Student Services. A referral is not a guarantee of an evaluation. The school's child study team has 20 calendar days to consider the referral, meet with the parents and referring staff member, and determine whether an evaluation is warranted.

If an evaluation is not warranted, the child study team must communicate its finding in writing to the school principal, referring staff member and parent; provide the rationale denying the evaluation, and offer suggestions to address the concerns.

If an evaluation is warranted, because additional data is needed in order to determine whether an educational disability is present, the child study team must develop an Evaluation Plan and seek written parental consent for the assessments. In addition to a Learning Assessment, Psychological Assessment and Social Assessment, additional assessments that are unique to the needs of the student such as Occupational Therapy Assessment, Physical Therapy Assessment or a Neurological or Psychiatric evaluation may also be discussed and requested. State regulations allow the child study team 90 calendar days to complete their assessments and meet with the parents to discuss the outcome. The South Brunswick School attempts to complete these assessments within 60 calendar days, or sooner if possible.

Students who require special education and related services in order to benefit from their education will be provided a written Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Parent participation and consent are required in order to implement the initial program. Parents are provided a copy of their rights to a due process hearing (Parents Rights in Special Education), and a copy of the New Jersey special education regulations.

Questions about this process should be directed to the school principal, or the district Director of Student Services (732-297-7800 x3135).

Referral Process to the Child Study Team page. Pre School Referral Only

In order to process a student Pre-school referral you must include with your letter a copy of the following documentation