What Are the Steps of the Identification Process?
1. Observation of Concerns Related to the Child’s Learning and Development
Parents and professionals observe signs that a child may not be developing or learning as expected. A helpful guidebook for child development can be found on the Birth-to-Three website or by following the link How I Grow: Birth to Three. For more information on indicators of learning disabilities, please visit the Bright Futures website and read Learning Disabilities: Common Signs or check out the National Center for Learning Disabilities Learning Disabilities Checklist.
Many parents find it easier to discuss their concerns about their child’s development or learning with the school if they have a detailed list of examples of their specific concerns that they have seen in their child. It is also helpful to fill out a Positive Student Profile in order to describe all aspects of your child.
2. Contact the School
Call your local school’s principal or Director of Special Education to arrange a meeting to discuss your concerns. Contact information for each town and region can be found by clicking on the link to Special Education Directors. It is also a good idea to follow-up a call with a written request to discuss the need for an evaluation. It may be helpful to view sample letters if you are unsure of what to write. To view a sample referral letter for Young Children and for School Age Children, please click on the links provided. For other tips on letter writing you can also visit National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) website Letter Writing Tips. Additionally the State Department of Education has created a referral form that can be filled out in lieu of a letter, to access this letter please click on the link: Referral Letter.
3. Meet
Meet with school staff and determine whether or not an evaluation is necessary or whether different intervention strategies should be tried.
4. Ask Questions
If you have any further questions or concerns please contact either:
Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center
Telephone: 800-445-2722
Email: cpac@cpacinc.org
The State Department of Education
Special Education - Perri Murdica
Telephone: 860-713-6942
email: perri.murdica@po.state.ct.us
Preschool Special Education: Maria Synodi
Telephone: 860-807-2054
Email: maria.synodi@po.state.ct.us
More Information on the Identification Process
Basic Steps for Receiving Special Education Services when a Disability is Suspected and a Student is Referred for Special Education:
1. Child Find
Screening or child study team may identify children who should be referred for an evaluation.2. Referral
A referral may be made by any source, including child study team, school staff, parent(s), or other individuals.3. Evaluation
Appropriate evaluations needed will be determined by the PPT and will be conducted in all areas of suspected disability. Evaluation data should be shared with all members of the team.4. Eligibility
Eligibility for special education and related services is to be determined by the PPT based on the evaluation results.5. Individualized Education Program (IEP)
If a child is determined eligible for special education and/or related services, the IEP will be implemented within 45 school days from the date of initial referral.6. Annual Review
The IEP must be reviewed at least once a year.?Pasos básicos para recibir servicios de educación especial?
**Adapted from The Virginia Department of Education A Parent’s Guide to Special Education (2000)
Revised by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center, Inc. 2007Seven Tips for Surviving Your Child's Developmental Assessment
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