Anyone, including the child’s parents or teacher, who knows or suspects that a child may have a disability and needs special education, may refer the child for evaluation. When parents make a referral, it is good practice to make the referral in writing, including the date, the child’s name, and the reasons why the parent suspects their child may have a disability and needs special education. The referral letter should be sent to the special education director, classroom teacher, building student services coordinator, building principal, or other appropriate individual. If anyone besides the parent makes a referral, the parent must immediately be notified in writing that a referral has been made. Parents should keep a copy of their referral letter or the notification that a referral was made by another individual for their file.

For school-age children (ages 6-21) enrolled in public school, children who are not enrolled in school, children who are enrolled in for-profit private schools, or for preschool children, the referral would be made to the school district in which the child lives.

If parents have enrolled their child in a non-profit private school, the child would be considered to be parentally-placed in a private school and the referral would be made to the school district in which the private school is located.
Some reasons for making a referral include: Failing to pass a hearing or vision screening; Unsatisfactory performance on group achievement tests or accountability measures; Receiving multiple academic and/or behavioral warnings or suspension or expulsion from a childcare or after school program; Repeatedly failing one or more subjects (although a child may be found eligible for special education because of needs related to his/her disability, even if the child has not failed or been retained in a course or grade, and is advancing from grade to grade); Inability to progress or participate in developmentally appropriate preschool activities; and Receiving services from family centered early support and services. This is not an exhaustive list.

Other reasons may include difficulty getting along with others or a medical diagnosis of a disability. Please note that a diagnosis of a disability does not ensure that a child will be eligible for special education; although it is one piece of information that the IEP team may consider when determining special education eligibility.