Making a Referral / Guide to the Special Education Process

GUIDE to Spec Ed Proc-FINAL-Fall2018 (1)

How to Make a Referral for Special Education

If you suspect your child may have a disability or a delay that impacts their learning, we encourage you to initiate the referral process. In accordance with Cranford Board of Education Policy 2160, please follow the steps below:

1. To begin the evaluation process, a written letter with an original signature is required. Please note that per district policy, emailed or scanned referrals cannot be accepted.

Your letter should include:

Child’s full name and date of birth
Current home address
A brief overview of your specific concerns or any known disabilities

2. Please mail your signed referral to:

Department of Student Services 132 Thomas St. Cranford, NJ 07016 Attn: Director of Student Services

3. Once your written request is received, the District’s Child Study Team has 20 calendar days (excluding school holidays, but including summer vacation) to schedule an Initial Planning Meeting with you.

^{During this collaborative meeting, you and the Child Study Team will discuss your concerns. This is a critical step in our collaborative partnership, where we determine if a formal evaluation is warranted to meet your child’s individual needs.}