What is the process to start entering a first time student into special education?

Question

My niece is seven years old and is mentally handicapped and she has not been to school yet. How do I go about enrolling her into special needs classes?

Answer 1

She will not be eligible for special needs classes until the school conducts an evaluation, which may take some time, especially with summer coming up.

You will need to request an evaluation in writing.  If your local school is not in session talk to someone at the district level.

The first things they will want to evaluate are vision and hearing.  If your niece has had recent tests you may want to have a copy of the results to help speed things along.  They may also want IQ tests, doctor's diagnosis, a social history, and academic and/or adaptive behavior testing of your niece.  Submit any paperwork you have along with your request for an evaluation.

Expect all this to take time - there are many components and many people involved - it won't happen overnight, no matter how well prepared you are.  

Once the evaluations are complete there will need to be a meeting to determine the best educational placement for her.  She can start school in a regular class, but will not become eligible for a special class until all testing and paperwork is complete.  They will also need to determine what grade she will be in - she quite a bit older than most kindergartners and even some first graders, but I don't think she can go straight to second grade, so that's another issue to deal with.  The team will also determine what other services, such as speech or occupational therapy, she is eligible for.

Hopefully someone has worked with her at home or day care so she is ready for school both academically and behaviorally.  If not, you really need to work to prepare her for the demands of a full school day.  

In order to register her for school you will need her birth certificate, proof of residence (such as a light bill, rental agreement, something to show that you live in the school's area), proof of immunizations (or a religious excuse form), and a legal paper (not just a parent note) that gives you the right to act as her guardian and enroll her in school.

Good luck!

Answer 2

In my state the proces is to write a letter to teh Public School district department of special services-

without something in writing-they can brush you off-so a phone call is good-but your rights aren't protected until you put it in writing

The guardian simply states

My child , ____ is demonstaring cogntive difficulties.  i would like her tobe evaluated for special eductaion

(child0 was born on january 1, 2222 and has not yet enetered school.

At that point the district must have a planning meeting within 20 days and initiate services within 90 days

Answer 3

The first step would be getting the child evaluated by a school psychologist, or a social worker, and some times an referal from your pediatrition will help the initial evaluation process.

Answer 4

Are the parents involved?  If so they (or you if you have guardianship) should contact the school your niece should be attending.  Explain the situation and state you are formally requesting that an evaluation be done for possible placement in a special education learning environment.   This will get the ball rolling and the cost will be absorbed by the school district. Do not let them tell you they do not have the resources, etc. This is against the law under the IDEA.

Another source of possible help is the child's physician.  You stated your niece is mentally handicapped. Her physician should be able to point you in the direction you need to go also. The evaluation team may request information from doctors, therapists, and anyone else that has seen her or been involved in her care. The team does this to get a good idea of the services your niece needs and the best way to go about getting her the best education possible  

It really is not a hard process, though it could take awhile to get everything done So it is best to get it started this school year yet. It is not too late.  The team will explain your rights and the findings at a meeting with you.

Good luck!

Answer 5

The simplest and fastest way to do this is to call the school closest to her home and tell them that you would like information on how to enroll a new student.  During this process, be sure to tell them that you believe she will also need special education services, and ask them to schedule an evaluation.  Once they have been notified of this, the law requires them to provide you (or her parents) with information about your rights and the process of special education.

The bigger question in my mind is, why hasn't she been in school yet if she is already seven years old?  When dealing with disabilities, children can make the most progress when they are young.  PLEASE do not delay in getting her into school so she can get the help she deserves and needs.

Answer 6

The most direct way to contact the special education department for your school district and explain the situation. I believe school is mandatory by age 6! Technically they may make you go to your home school and enroll as stated above, but if this child is disabled enough that coming to a regular classroom even for a little while would be a challenge then request on the phone and it is always best to follow up with a letter for an assessment for special education services. The district team (members will depend on the disability) which may include a psychologist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist and/ or a special education teacher when then conduct a full team assessment on the child and then schedule an IEP team meeting to go over the results, discuss their findings and offer an appropriate placement and services.