The Special Education Process in NC

Request made for an initial referral

1. School OR
2. Parent/Legal Guardian (in writing)

School team holds an initial referral meeting within 10 calendar days of receiving the written request.

Team does not suspect a disability– process ends.

Team does suspect a disability– conduct an evaluation.

The Special Education Process in NC (con’t)

School psychologist and other team members conduct evaluations.

School team holds an eligibility meeting within 90 days of the written referral request date.

Team finds the student eligible for special education services– write IEP.

Team does not find the student eligible for special education services– continues to receive current level of school support.

The Special Education Process in NC (con’t)

At least once per year, the school team must meet to update the IEP– annual review meeting.

Student continues to receive services with updated plan.

Every 3 years, student has a triennial reevaluation to determine either:

1. Current present levels/area of eligibility
2. Whether they continue to require Specially Designed Instruction (SDI).

At any time, a team member can call a meeting to discuss and/or change the plan– addendum meeting.

Things to Note

1. Local Education Agencies (aka the school/district/state) do not diagnose students with a disability. Only medical professionals are licensed to do so.

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1. The ENTIRE special education referral process, from the time the request is made to the eligibility meeting, MUST take place within 90 days of the referral request date.