Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I keep a copy of the referral for my records?

Organization is key in the special education process.  Parents should always keep a copy of anything they sign or is given to them by the school and IEP team.  PIC has an IEP organizer that can help you. Visit the Tools and Resources section to order a copy. 

If you haven’t kept copies of everything, you may want to do a file review.  Click here to download How to Do a Physical File Review (PDF).

Before I get started, what are my rights in the process?
Parents have the right to:
— Participate in all meetings regarding special education and their child’s IEP. Parents are a member of the IEP Team. 
— Give or withhold written consent 
— 14 calendar days to respond to any proposal, refusal or request by the IEP team 
— Be notified about important decisions regarding their child’s special education (Written Prior Notice) 
— 10 days written notice of IEP meetings 
— Access to evaluation reports and other documentation 5 days prior to an IEP meeting 
— Receive information in a way that is understandable 
— Be provided with an interpreter or translator if needed 
— File a complaint, request mediation, request a due process hearing or neutral conference 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Referrals for Special Education

girlIf a parent suspects their child has a disability (or has a diagnosis) and need special education, he/she should make a referral to the school or LEA (local education agency, which is another term for the “school district”). A teacher, doctor, therapist or anyone may make a referral.  The referral should be made in writing and explains why you believe your child may have an educational disability. We have a sample letter (PDF) that you can use to make a referral.

A child doesn’t have to be failing to make a referral.  It can be made if there are discipline issues, unsatisfactory performance on group achievement tests, extreme and ongoing anxiety about school, difficulty getting along with others, or a medical diagnosis of a disability.  If the referral comes from someone other than the parent, including from the child’s teacher, the parent must be immediately notified in writing that a referral has been made. 

Who do I send it to?

If parents suspect or knows that their child has an educational disability, they may make a request to the superintendent, special education director, classroom teacher, building principal, or other appropriate individual to have their child evaluated for special education consideration.

The referral should be in writing, including the child’s name and the reasons why you suspect the child may have an educational disability.  Parents should also make sure that it’s dated and keep a copy of it for their own records.

Next Step - What happens after a referral is made?