Special Education - FAQ
FAQ - Special Education
As a guardian of a child with a problem or challenge that interferes with his or her ability to be successful in school you may be unsure of who to talk with about those concerns.
We recognize that the process can feel overwhelming and want to do all that we can to make the process clear and understandable to you.
If your questions are not answered below, please feel free to talk with your child's teacher or call the Special Education Services Department to get additional information.
Referral Process
How does the referral process work?
A student, whether or not enrolled in school, may be referred for a special education evaluation by parents, district staff, a public agency, or other persons knowledgeable about the student. This website can be helpful in understanding how to submit a referral for special education in WA:
https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/family-engagement-and-guidance/making-referral-special-education
https://wapave.org/evaluations-part-1-where-to-start-when-a-student-needs-special-help-at-school/
If at any time you believe your student may need special education, submit your request to the school psychologist or principal at your child's school. Referrals are required to be in writing unless the person referring is unable to write.
Once a referral is made, the district referral team, including the parent and general education teacher, must decide within 25 school-days whether or not to evaluate the student to determine if they qualify for special education services.
Who determines if my child is eligible for Special Education Services?
The team involved (which may include a psychologist, occupational therapist, speech language therapist, nurse, general education teacher, parent or others) has 35 school days to complete the evaluation, once signed consent has been received from the child’s parent or guardian. If the student qualifies to receive services either a special education teacher or a therapist will contact the parents to develop an Individual Educational Program (IEP) within 30 calendar days.
What happens if the school district decides not to evaluate my student for special education?
If a school district decides the information in the referral does not support the need for an evaluation, it must provide you with a Prior Written Notice letter of its decision not to evaluate. The Prior Written Notice must include the reasons why the district does not believe your student needs to be evaluated.
Special Education Eligibility
Who is eligible to receive the services provided by Aberdeen School District Special Services?
Any qualified individual from birth to age twenty two (22) or until the student graduates from high school.
What determines if my child is eligible for Special Education Services?
The law defines the evaluation criteria and certain handicapping conditions which have been established for eligibility. There are 14 different handicapping conditions. They are:
- Intellectual Disability
- Hearing Impairment (including deafness)
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Visual Impairment (including blindness)
- Emotional Disturbance
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Autism
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Other Health Impairment
- Specific Learning Disability
- Deaf-blindness
- Multiple Disabilities
- Developmental Delay (for students three through nine)
How does a student become eligible for special education services?
A referral must be made which may lead to an evaluation. If an evaluation occurs the team, including the parent, determines if the data supports eligibility qualification.
Receiving Special Education Services
How often must an IEP be developed?
The law requires the development of a new IEP at least once every year (365 days).
How often must an evaluation be done?
The law requires a new evaluation (re-evaluation) be completed every three (3) years. If there are concerns that need to be addressed before this amount of time has elapsed, a reevaluation can be requested.
What happens if a qualified special education student moves to another school district?
It is a very good idea, before moving, to get a copy of the current IEP and Evaluation for your records. Once your child has been registered, the new district will contact the previous district for an official copy of the current Evaluation and IEP.