Special services

NH Special Education Process

By r.phillips

  • Identification/Child Find

    Identification/Child Find
    • Anyone can refer a child if a disability is suspected
    • School districts are required to find, identify, and evaluate any suspected students with disabilities

  • Referral

    Referral
    • A child is suspected of having a disability
    • Referral is made to the school or LEA
    • Parent is notified if the referral is made by a teacher *The school has 15 days to schedule a referral meeting

  • Referral Meeting

    Referral Meeting
    • The meeting must include the parents/guardians
    • The team decides if further evaluation is needed
    • Written parent consent is needed
    • Parents need to have a 10-day notice

  • *Parental Consent*

    • School districts must request informed parental consent in writing during the special education process
    • Parents/Guardians have 14 days from the date of the request to provide written consent *The time can be extended if agreed upon by both parties
    • Consent is also required for time extensions for reevaluations

  • Evaluation

    Evaluation
    • The team determines what testing is necessary *Initial evaluation is completed within 60 days after written consent is received
    • Parents are provided a copy of test results at least 5 days prior to the IEP team meeting

  • Determination of Eligibility and Disability Category

    Determination of Eligibility and Disability Category
    • The IEP team looks at testing results and decides eligibility
    • The child must meet requirements to receive FAPE
    • The student will be identified under one of the 14 disability categories *Students are reevaluated every 3 years

  • If Parents Disagree with Results

    If Parents Disagree with Results
    • Parents can request an independent evaluation
    • Can be at the expense of the public or their own expense
    • Another IEP meeting may be held to discuss concerns
    • If parental consent is not given, the proposed changes cannot be implemented

  • Development and Approval of IEP

    Development and Approval of IEP
    *Team must meet to develop a plan within 30 days after the student is found eligible
    - Once the IEP is developed it is reviewed annually and must be in place at the start of the school year
    - The IEP is only in effect once it is signed by the parents and district representative
    - Written notice of IEP team meetings must be given to parents at least 10 days before the meeting is held

  • Determination of Placement

    Determination of Placement
    • Once the IEP is approved, the team meets to determine the LRE (least restrictive environment)
    • This should be the best location for the student to receive special education services based on the developed IEP

  • Ongoing Monitoring

    Ongoing Monitoring
    • Once the process is complete, the child receives the necessary services *Parental consent is needed
    • Team members monitor student progress throughout the year to ensure all needs are met
    • The IEP team meet once a year, or more frequently if necessary

  • References

    NH Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. (2018). New Hampshire special education procedural safeguards handbook. Retrieved from Procedural Safeguards Handbook