Policy – Category 5000 (Students)
BP 5001 – Identification and Referral
assessment process. Assessments will begin upon receipt of the signed assessment plan by the LEA.
2.1
Infant: Birth to Three Years
If a parent refers an infant, birth to three years, to a LEA for possible special education services, they
are referred directly to the Early Start Program at Inland Regional Center. If it is clearly evident that the infant has a solely low incidence disability, such as hearing loss, vision loss, or orthopedic disability, the parent is referred directly to San Bernardino County operated programs. Once an Early Start Program Referral Form is completed, timelines for the referral process begin.
2.2
Section 504
Children may be referred for assessment under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by parents, guardians, school staff, or agencies. Each LEA has defined written Section 504 procedures to assess and meet the educational needs of general education students who are otherwise disabled due to a physical or mental impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activities.
2.3
Procedures for Processing Referrals
All referrals for special education and related services shall initiate the assessment process and shall be documented. When a verbal referral is made, staff of the LEA, DMSELPA, or county office shall offer assistance to the individual to make a request in writing and shall assist the individual if the individual requests such assistance ( Title 5 of the Code of California Regulations § 3021 ). DMSELPA forms are available on the website for member LEAs to use upon receipt of a referral for special education assessment (DMSELPA forms, 51, 56, 57, 58, 59, 63, and 79). All initial referrals resulting from Child Find of children ages 3-5, shall be processed through the LEA special education office. The Informed Parental Consent for Assessment (DM 66) shall be completed by the person interacting with the parent and forwarded to the appropriate member of the LEA preschool assessment team (i.e., psychologist, nurse, speech-language pathologist).
For a preschool-aged child, a member of the LEA preschool assessment team will contact the parent to discuss concerns or arrange a home visit for observation.
BP 5001 – Identification and Referral
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Desert Mountain Special Education Local Plan Area (DMSELPA) (rev. 08/21)
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