Division of Specialized Instruction
Eligibility Process
At a Glance
If your child is suspected of having a disability, and the team working on your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) agrees that an evaluation is necessary; they start the process to decide if your child is eligible. DC Public Schools (DCPS) must finish this process within 60 days after you give your permission for the evaluation. The goal of this process is to figure out if your child should receive special education services.
30 days
60 days
SPECIAL EDUCATION AT A GLANCE
A child is suspected of having a disability.
Child may receive tiered supports and intervention throughout the process.
A parent/guardian or someone familiar with the child makes a referral for special education services.
The IEP team receives the referral, reviews existing student data, and decides whether the child requires additional evaluations.
30 days
The IEP team determines that evaluation is not required at this time and notifies parent or guardian in writing with an explanation.
The IEP team requests written consent from the parent to evaluate and conduct the evaluation. The evaluation will be specifically tailored to the child and may involve observations, interviews, student record review, and/or assessments. The IEP Team meets with parent to share findings.
School monitors support and progress.
60 days
The IEP team determines that the child does not have a qualifying disability or does not require special education services.
The child has a qualifying disability and requires special education services.
30 days
The IEP team creates the IEP.
Parent or guardian provides signed consent for the child's initial provision of services.
School staff implements the IEP.
Referral
The process of special education begins when someone who knows the child well makes a request in writing or verbally for special education services or an evaluation. This request can come from various people like;
-
Parents/guardians
-
Teachers
-
Psychologists
-
Other school staff
-
Employees at daycare centers
-
Doctors
A copy of the parent procedural safeguards is provided to the parent.
Evaluation
After the school receives the referral, the IEP team meets to discuss the referral and analyze existing data, including any earlier assessments. The IEP team includes:
-
The parent/guardian.
-
The child (if appropriate).
-
Special education teachers.
-
General education teachers.
-
Related service providers.
-
Other key members of the school staff.
-
Other individuals, at the discretion of the parent or the LEA, who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel, if appropriate
Eligibility
The IEP team will decide if the student meets the specific criteria required to be found eligible as a child with a disability and in need of special education services. The IEP team may discuss needing more assessments and reconvene for the eligibility determination meeting.
Individual Education Program (IEP) Development
If the child is eligible for special education services as a child with a disability, the IEP team identifies the student’s needs and creates an IEP. The IEP is a document that outlines the annual educational goals for the child. The IEP outlines the instructional and related services needed to meet those goals. The IEP will indicate the appropriate setting in which these services should be delivered.
Annual Review
IEPs must be updated at least once every year through the annual review process.
Reevaluation
Continued eligibility for special education must be decided at least once every three (3) years. This is also called “reevaluation” or “a triennial evaluation.”
Dismissal/Exit
An IEP team undertakes the process of deciding whether your child continues to qualify as a student with a disability and is no longer eligible for special education.
The Parent’s Role in the IEP Process
As your child's guardian, you play a vital role in the IEP team. Your school must give you any documents that will be used in an IEP or eligibility meeting at least five (5) business days before the meeting. This gives you time to review them and prepare for the meeting. Following the same law, you'll also receive a copy of the IEP within five (5) business days after the meeting happens.
Location of Services (LOS)
DCPS makes every effort to provide special education services in the school that your child is attending or your neighborhood/home school. DCPS may need to assign your child to a new location of service with every reasonable effort that it is closest to your child's home and can implement the IEP with fidelity.