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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to many of the questions we receive from parents, educators, health care professionals and others. If you don't find your question here, call us!

Elementary

1. How is a decision made about my child's eligibility for special education?

The decision about your child's eligibility for services is based on whether your son or daughter has a disability that fits into one of the IDEA's 13 disability categories and whether that disability affects how your child does in school. This decision will be made when the evaluation has been completed, and the results are in.

This group will look at all of the information gathered during the evaluation and decide if your child meets the definition of a "child with a disability." (This definition will come from the IDEA and from the policies your state NYS policies or district uses.) If so, your child will be eligible for special education and related services.

It is possible that prior to testing your district may want to consider a Response to Intervention model to see if your child responds to specifically designed interventions before meeting with the Committee on Special Education.This is a new model and requires vigilance from both parents and staff to ensure the student is progressing.

If your child is found eligible, you and the school will work together to design an educational program for your child.

If you have questions about the decision made about your child’s eligibility, call Project Connect at 263-3323.

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