Child Study Team Referral Process

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Warren Township School District in partnership with family and community is to provide an environment where each child is valued and experiences the challenge and excitement of learning.

Mrs. Molly Lange, Ed.S., Director of Special Services 

 How does a student get referred?

  1. Faculty members use many strategies to help students improve their academic performance. When a student either loses ground or does not show growth, a teacher may refer the student to the school’s Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS).
  2. I&RS (Intervention & Referral Services) is a multi-disciplinary team which may include the principal, guidance counselors, teachers, nurse, Child Study Team members, and other school personnel. The I&RS committee discusses and recommends additional strategies.  The parents are informed.
  3. Anyone who has an educational or parental responsibility for a child can make a referral to the Warren Township Department of Special Services Child Study Team by notifying the Director in writing.

  What are the steps in the evaluation process?

 STEP 1 – A student is referred for evaluation by a parent, teacher, I&RS Committee or principal.  The reasons for the referral are stated, along with any documentation of interventions.

 STEP 2 – Determination is made by an IEP (Individual Educational Plan) Team composed of the child study team, parents, and teachers as to whether an evaluation should take place.  If so, the IEP Team determines what assessments should be made.

 The Child Study Team (CST) is composed of:

  1. The Social Worker who reviews the student’s family background and his/her development.
  2. The School Psychologist who evaluates the emotional, social and intellectual functioning.
  3. The Learning Disabilities Teacher- Consultant (LDT-C) who focuses on the student’s academic profile.
  4. Speech & Language, Physical,  and Occupational Therapists are also available for evaluations, if necessary.

 

At any time during the process of evaluation or after the child is classified, a parent can elect to either stop the process or refuse to accept the services.  The school system works with the parents to reach agreement on a suitable option.

STEP 3 – The findings are compiled and a meeting is held to determine eligibility.  If the child is eligible, an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is developed.  This is reviewed at least yearly.

 

 What happens when a student is classified?

 After the IEP is completed and all parties are in agreement, then the IEP is implemented.  Special education teachers and other staff members are responsible for carrying out the student’s program.  The Case Manager, who is a CST member, coordinates the IEP and the student’s program.

 Placement Options

  1. In-class Resource Program (ICRP) – Instruction provided by a special education teacher within the child’s regular class.
  2. Pull-Out Replacement Resource Program (PRRP)– a replacement of a subject(s) outside of the regular education class.
  3. Supplementary Aids & Services (SAS) .These may include an aide, prompting, cueing, reinforcement, organizing materials and activities, data collection, consultation and positive behavioral supports in the general education classroom.
  4. Special Program Placements – In and out of district placements in specialized programs.
  5. Preschool Program – an integrated preschool program for eligible 3-5 year olds that provides preschool children with a disability an opportunity to be educated with their typical peers.