Frequently Asked Questions

about the Referral Process

My grandchild lives with me. I
think he should be evaluated
for special education but I
don’t have custody. What can
I do?
I want my child to be considered
for special education services.
How should I begin?
I have already submitted a request
for my child to be evaluated for
special education services. What
can I expect next?
 Pre-referral

What is involved in a
pre-referral?

What happens during the

pre-referral process?
 Referral for Special Education
Evaluation

What happens if my child does get

referred for evaluation? How long
will this process take?
What if the team determines
that my child does not need
an evaluation and I do not
agree?
 Language

My child speaks English, but is most

fluent in the language that we speak
at home. I don’t want him identified
as learning disabled if he only has a
difficulty with the second language.
My child has been evaluated for
special education services. What
can I expect next?
What does an individual Educational
Plan Consist of?
 IEP vs 504

My child qualifies for an IEP but I am

not sure if it is a good idea. If he
was on a 504 plan he would be in
general education classes all day and
there would be less of a negative
stigma associated with his disability.
 Citations

Project Ideal (2013) The Special Education Process

Project Ideal, Enforcing and Designing Education for

All Learners, www.projectidealonline.org/v/special-
education

State of Washington Office of the Superintendent of

Public Instruction,
www.k12.wa.us/SpecialE/Families/Referral.asp
Ten Basic Steps in Special Education, Center for
Parent Information and Resources,
www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/steps

Wright, P. & Wright, P. (2008) Key Differences

Between Sections 504, the ADA and the IDEA