Formal Referral for a Suspected Disability
A formal referral is a form starting the special education process
People other than the CST have the right under due process to initiate a formal referral for a child with a suspected disability. These people could include:
Contents of a referral to the MDT
Initial referral to the MDT from the school staff
Initial referral to the MDT from a parent/guardian
A formal referral is a form starting the special education process
People other than the CST have the right under due process to initiate a formal referral for a child with a suspected disability. These people could include:
- The child's parent, advocate, person in parental relationship, or legal guardian
- A classroom teacher
- Any professional staff member of the public or private school district
- A judicial officer-a representative of the court
- A student on his or her own behalf if he or she is 18 years of age or older or an emancipated minor
- The chief school officer of the state or his or her designee responsible for the welfare, education, or health of children
Contents of a referral to the MDT
- Referral should be in written form and dated
- Information should include documentation as to why a possible disability exists, descriptions of prereferral strategies, or performance prior to the referral
Initial referral to the MDT from the school staff
- Once the CST has determined that a disability may exist, the team must alert the chairperson of the MDT that a child with a suspected disability is being referred for review
Initial referral to the MDT from a parent/guardian
- In some cases a student's parent or guardian may initiate a referral to the MDT for suspicion of a disability under special education laws or Section 504