Referral Process

How is a student referred to the Child Study Team?

Students between the ages of 3 and 21 suspected of having an educational disability may be referred to the Child Study Team for an identification meeting.  This referral may come from a variety of sources, but generally they come from one of the following:

Intervention and Referral Services:  I&RS is a building based inter-disciplinary group that meets regularly to provide intervention for students experiencing difficultly in the classroom.  For students who experience difficulties, even with classroom accommodations and teacher supports,  the I&RS process is a means of providing additional intervention and supports for students in their classroom.  Once the I&RS team has utilized its resources and determines that additional information may be necessary, or feels that the student may have an educational disability that requires special education services, the student may be recommended to the Child Study Team.

Parents - Parents may request an identification meeting with the Child Study Team by contacting the case manager of their child's school, and forwarding a request in writing. 

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 procedures after the referral is made?

Once the referral is made, the case manager has twenty (20) days to schedule an Identification Meeting.  The necessary personnel expected to attend this meeting are a social worker, school psychologist, learning disabilities teacher consultant (LDT/C), classroom teacher, speech & language therapist (if the suspected disability includes speech or language concerns, or if the student is aged 3-5), and the parent.  

What occurs at this meeting?

The CST and other members review the students current educational skills, and the concerns stated in the referral.  The team determines if there are any additional interventions that may be appropriate for the general education classroom.  The team reviews if the area of concern is having an impact on the student's educational progress.  

What is the procedure if it is determined that the student will not be evaluated?

The CST and other members at the meeting, may make suggestions for further classroom supports or intervention.

What is the procedure if it is determined that the student will be evaluated?

Once it is determined that testing is necessary, an evaluation plan is developed at the identification meeting.   The plan will state which evaluations will occur.  Once the parent/guardian gives written permission, the district has ninety (90) days to complete the necessary evaluations and conduct an eligibility meeting.  

What happens at an eligibility meeting?

Parents should receive copies of the evaluation reports prior to this meeting.  At the meeting, the evaluations are interpreted and a determination is made if the student is eligible for special education and related services based on criteria as outlined in NJAC 6A:14 (see link section of this website).  If the student is determined to be eligible for special education and related services, an Individual Education Plan will be developed (see IEP section of this website).  If the student is determined to not be eligible for special education and related services, the team may provide suggestions for further classroom supports based on the results of the evaluations.  

NJDOE: referral process