Planning for evaluation can be done at a referral meeting or at a separate meeting designed exclusively for that purpose. The parent(s) and/or the adult student, along with the professionals present, decide the nature and scope of the evaluation based on the review of the data. They also decide who will conduct the evaluations.
The participants at this meeting are:
- parent(s) and/or adult student;
- child study team;
- regular education teacher;
- related services providers, as necessary.
Within 15 calendar days of the meeting, the parent(s) (and adult student, when applicable) are provided with written notice which includes the following:
- the evaluations that are warranted;
- the nature and scope of the evaluations;
- identify the student as potentially disabled and protected under the safeguards of special education;
- request and/or confirm consent from the parent (when the student is an adult student, consent is obtained from the adult student);
- a copy of the short procedural safeguards statement;
- copies of the special education rules (NJAC 6A:14) and the due process hearing according to 2.3(b).
Consent
Parent(s) (adult students, when applicable) must be given the opportunity to consider the proposed initial evaluation for up to 15 calendar days before providing consent. The parent (adult student, when applicable) may provide consent sooner.
If the parent (adult student, when applicable) has not provided consent within 15 calendar days and the district and the parent have not agreed to other action, the district shall request a due process hearing according to 2.3(b)
Timelines
When consent for initial evaluation is granted, the evaluation shall be conducted without delay.
When evaluations are to take place with specialists outside the district, the parent(s) shall make the appointment with the specialists. The Office of Pupil Services will arrange payment.
After consent for initial evaluation has been received, the evaluation, determination of eligibility for services, and if eligible, the development and implementation of the Individualized Education Program are completed within 90 calendar days.