How Do I Refer my Child to Special Education?
HELP FOR THE SCHOOL AGED CHILD:
If you have concerns about your school-aged child’s learning or behavior, the first step is to talk to your child’s teacher or the school administrator about your concerns. If this step is unsuccessful, you should ask school personnel about making a referral to the campus-based student support team, which is a team of teachers, and other personnel who meet regularly, to address any learning or behavioral concerns that children are having.
Before a child who is experiencing difficulty in the general education classroom is referred for a special education evaluation, the child should be considered all support services available to all children. These services may include, but are not limited to: tutoring, remedial services, compensatory services, response to scientific, research-based intervention, and other academic or behavior support services.
The school has an affirmative duty to make a referral for an initial evaluation for special education services any time it suspects that a child has a disability and a need for special education services under IDEA. You may also initiate a referral for an initial evaluation of your child at any time.
Please note that a request for a special education evaluation may be made verbally and does not need to be in writing. Communicate with your child’s school counselor or an administrator. Consent for placement is voluntary and can be revoked at any time.
If you have concerns about your child and you feel your child may need special education services, speak to your child’s teacher, counselor, or school administrator. You may also contact:
Jacquelin Espinosa - Coordinator for Rowe Vertical Team & S.T.R.I.D.E.S. 18+ Program
(956) 632-3285
jacquelin.cervantes@mcallenisd.net
Karla Barnett-Bermea – Coordinator for McHi Vertical Team & S.T.R.I.D.E.S. 18+ Program
(956) 632-3285
karla.barnett@mcallenisd.net
Leonel Ramirez – Coordinator for Memorial Vertical Team & S.T.R.I.D.E.S. 18+ Program
(956) 632-3285
leonel.ramirez@mcallenisd.net
Dr. Maria Acosta – Interim Executive Director for Special Education
(956) 632-3285
maria.acosta@mcallenisd.net
Regional Contact information:
Todd Larson, Director for Special Education
Region One Educational Service Center
(956) 984-6189
Timeline Decision Tree- How long does a referral take?
In most cases, the full individual and initial evaluation (FIE) report must be completed, signed, and dated no later than 45 school days following the date on which the written consent was received. In cases where a student has had more than 3 absences, regardless if excused or unexcused, this timeline is extended by the number of absences.
The school has an additional 30 days to convene an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Meeting to share results, and if appropriate, develop an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) for the student, if found eligible.
