STATE & LOCAL SERVICES
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Services The New Jersey Administrative Code states that parents are a part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. This means that parents are members of the IEP team and have the right to provide input into the development and implementation of the IEP as well as placement considerations. The New Jersey Administrative Code also addresses issues such as class size, Extended School Year (ESY), discipline, the 17 required components of the IEP, and the 11 items to be considered when developing the IEP. Based on federal law, children who are eligible for special education services have the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The essence of FAPE is an “appropriate” education. Yet, the term “appropriate” is different for every child and based upon a number of factors. The IEP team makes decisions about educational placement following consideration of the nature and severity of the child’s disability, different types of educational settings, and the child’s present levels of performance. The IEP is a document that lists all of the educational services that are to be provided to the child receiving special education. It should describe the child's special education program in detail. It should also describe how the child currently performs and his or her specific instructional needs across all academic and functional areas. Additionally, the IEP must include measurable annual goals and short-term objectives or benchmarks. It is important that the parents collaborate with school staff to ensure that any services the parents deem necessary are included to allow their child to benefit from their education as appropriate. The IEP is a legal and binding contract between the school district and the parents. School districts are responsible for the education of a child with autism from the age of 3 to 21 if appropriate. They are also responsible for any related services the child may need to benefit from their special education. Once parents provide consent to begin the initial evaluation process, a 90-day time-line begins. Within that 90-day period, the school district conducts the educational evaluation of the child, develops the IEP with parent input and begins implementation of the IEP. Reevaluations will be conducted at least every 3 years (unless waived) and the IEP will be reviewed and updated annually.
If a parent does not agree with the school district's evaluation, they have the right to request that an independent evaluation be performed at public expense. An independent education evaluation is an assessment of a child that is conducted by a qualified person or persons not employed by the child’s school district. School districts may make referrals for providers, or individuals can call 800.4.AUTISM to find an appropriate evaluator. The school district will also provide the parents with a copy of a booklet called Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE). PRISE is a condensed version of the New Jersey Administrative Code and comes complete with sample forms for requesting emergency relief hearings, complaint investigations, mediation, and due process hearings. This booklet must be provided by the school district one time per year, such as when a child is referred for an initial evaluation, when a reevaluation is conducted, and when a request for a due process hearing is submitted to the Department of Education. At other instances, the school district must provide parents with a statement explaining that parents have rights under the special education law, how parents can obtain a copy of PRISE, and sources they may contact for assistance in understanding special education rules.
Available Services Related services include, but may not be limited to, the following: • Counseling • Medical services • Occupational therapy • Physical therapy • Recreation • School nurse services • Social work services • Speech-language services • Transportation
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