Transition

Some children get services before age three with Bright Beginnings or Help Me Grow. Learn More.

Referral

Sometimes teachers notice a child needs extra help. Usually, teachers try to help struggling students in the classroom before referring them for evaluation. Learn More.

Request an Evaluation

Parents, teachers and other school professionals who work with your child can request an evaluation at any time. Learn More.

Transition

Some children get services before age three with Bright Beginnings or Help Me Grow. Children under three may use this program if:

• They have a diagnosed disability
• A doctor or other professional suspects a developmental delay
• They are at risk of having a developmental delay

Some children with disabilities move from this program directly into special education. When this happens, the school district will evaluate the child to see what services are needed.

Bright Beginnings/Help Me Grow

Bright Beginnings/Help Me Grow is a free early intervention program for families with children under the age of three. This program has no income limit - any family can use it.

Anyone can refer a child to Bright Beginnings/Help Me Grow - even parents. You can learn more about the program here, or contact one of our Family Resource Specialists for more information.

Referral

Sometimes teachers notice a child needs extra help. Usually, teachers try to help struggling students in the classroom before referring them for evaluation.

Response to Intervention (RTI) is one way that schools help children who are struggling to learn. When a child is in RTI, they may receive small group or 1:1 instruction to help them build skills. Many children spend a short time in RTI and then rejoin their classmates.

Some children with disabilities may continue to struggle - even after RTI. When this happens, teachers may refer a child for an evaluation for special education. The school will send you a referral form (PR-04) to let you know there is a concern.

Request an Evaluation

Parents, teachers and other school professionals who work with a child can request an evaluation at any time. If you are thinking about requesting an evaluation, look at "Requesting an Evaluation" for an example of a letter you can send.

To learn what happens during an evaluation, read Part 2: Evaluation.

Note: Schools can choose not to evaluate your child if they have evidence that your child will not benefit from special education. If this happens, the school will explain why your request was denied. If you disagree, you can use the Ohio Department of Education's dispute resolution process.

Requesting an Evaluation

The best way to request an evaluation is to write a letter. You can deliver the letter to your child's teacher or to the district's special education director.

There are many good examples of how to write a request, including this one, from Disability Rights Ohio.

Once you request an evaluation, the school has 30 calendar days to respond.