What do I do if I suspect my child has a disability?

If you are concerned about your child's progress in school,  you should first speak to your child's teacher. If you are not able to resolve your concerns with the teacher, ask the principal if concerns can be addressed by the schools intervention team.  This is a group of staff members who brainstorm different intervention techniques to assist a child who is struggling either academically or behaviorally.  If the interventions are not successful, the following information outlines to process for evaluation to determine if your child is eligible for special education services.   top

If your child is not yet in school and you have concerns regarding their development, please call the Lapeer County Intermediate School District Project Find Hotline at (810)664-5917.  top

The referral is the first step to the special education process.  This is a written statement indicating educational concerns, interventions attempted, and parent input.  A referral may come from a teacher, social worker, parent or an agency.  top

No.  Written parent consent is required before the initial evaluation of your child.  When you are asked to give written consent, you will be provided with the Procedural Safeguards Available to Parents of Students with Disabilities.  The written consent will also indicate in what areas your child will be assessed.  top

The evaluation consists of two or more Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) members collecting information to help make a recommendation for special education eligibility.    Members may include teachers, school psychologists, speech pathologists, social workers, parents, consultants, or occupational and physical therapists.  This may include some of all of the following:  Review of records, work samples, interview with staff, medical history including vision and hearing, questionnaires with parents, staff and/or student, and formal assessments.  Outside evaluations provided by parents will also be considered.  The goal is to get a picture of the "whole child".  top

The Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) members compile their results into a written report.  These reports are mailed to you prior to the Individualized Education Program Team (IEPT) meeting.  You will be contacted to schedule a mutually agreed upon meeting date to discuss the evaluation results during the  IEPT.  If your child is eligible for special education, a written educational plan will be developed. top

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