Question: I have a student who we think may benefit from special education services beyond what our school can provide, as much as we’d wish to keep the student enrolled. How do I get the student an evaluation by the school district?
Answer: Private school staff do not have rights under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) related to Child Find, but can refer a student for evaluation in some cases. Responding to referrals for evaluation of private school students is one way school districts conduct Child Find, required by the IDEA.
The student’s parent(s), physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers and administrators of social agencies can refer a student for testing by the public school district, according to the U.S. Department of Education. But, regardless of who submitted the referral request, parental consent must be obtained before performing the evaluation, and the rights of the child under the IDEA still belong to the parents.
Therefore, you should encourage the student’s parents to refer the student to the district for evaluation. They can do so by reaching out to the special education team at the district in which the private school is located.
Your role as the private school representative is to support the parent by providing documentation of why you suggested the student be evaluated in the first place. To help the district perform an accurate and appropriate evaluation of the child, it’s recommended that the parent makes the referral with as much documentation as possible, from as many professionals as possible.
According to federal law, an initial evaluation of a child who has been referred to the district must be completed within 60 days of receiving parental consent. Private schools and parents do have the ability to file formal complaints with the state if they have concerns about any of the district’s processes related to Child Find and special education services.
Contact the special education team at your local school district for more information.
