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The Referral Process

The Referral Process

How is a student referred for a Child Study Team Evaluation?

Students between the ages of 3 and 21 suspected of having an educational disability may be referred from a variety of sources to the Child Study Team for an evaluation. 

Generally the referrals come from one of the following:

  1. Parents: Parents may request a Child Study Team Evaluation by completing the referral form linked here or obtaining a copy directly from the Child Study Team or their child’s classroom teacher.  
  2. The Intervention and Referral Services Team (I&RS): I&RS is a building-based inter-disciplinary group that meets regularly to provide interventions for students experiencing difficulty in the general education setting. Once the I&RS has utilized its resources and determines that additional information may be necessary, or feels that the student may be potentially educationally disabled, the student may be recommended for a CST evaluation.
  3. Administrators or outside agencies: The principal or other building administrator, or an individual from an outside agency (doctor, social worker, etc.), may refer a student for a Child Study Team Evaluation.

What is the procedure after the referral is made?

Once the referral has been made, the Case Manager has twenty (20) calendar days to schedule an Identification Meeting. You will be notified in writing of this meeting.

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.

What is the procedure if the student is going to be tested?

Once it is determined that testing is necessary, an assessment plan is developed. The parent/guardian must give written consent for this to occur. The district then has 90 days to complete the necessary evaluations. Within the ninety (90) days, an Eligibility Conference is scheduled, at which time the evaluations are interpreted and it is determined if the student is eligible for special education and/or related services or not.

How is eligibility determined?

After completing the evaluations, the Child Study Team will conduct a meeting with the parent(s) and student's teacher(s) to review findings and determine eligibility for special education and related services.  If the student is found eligible, then an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed.  Written parental consent is required for implementation of program(s) and/or service(s) on all initial evaluations.

To be eligible for Special Education and Related Services:

  • A student must be identified as having a disability that meets the criteria of eligibility categories, as defined by NJ 6A:14-3.5c (1-14); and,
  • The disability must adversely affect the student's educational performance; and
  • The student must be in need of special education and related services.
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For a more complete discussion of your rights, please refer to the PRISE booklet.  If, at any time, you have questions regarding the referral, eligibility, or IEP process, please contact the Child Study Team, and we will be happy to answer your questions.