this chapter, and the procedure for initiating a referral for assessment to identify individuals with exceptional needs. All referrals for special education and related services shall initiate the process to determine if an assessment is warranted and shall be documented. When a verbal referral is made, staff of the LEA shall offer assistance to the parent or any other individual to make a request in writing. The SELPA shall annually distribute information regarding Child Find activities to private schools for dissemination to parents. Parents whose primary language is not English shall be informed of the need to file a written request when a verbal request is made. They shall be informed both verbally and in writing in their primary language, unless to do so is clearly not feasible. Assistance in providing a written request will be provided as needed. Written referrals in languages other than English will be accepted. If a parent requests, in writing, an assessment for possible special education services, the LEA will develop an Assessment Plan (D/M 66) and present it to the parent within 15 days. A copy of the Parental Rights and Procedural Safeguards (D/M 77) are reviewed and given to the parents at the time the assessment plan is presented. The parent has at least 15 days from receipt of the assessment plan to provide permission to complete the assessment process. Assessments will begin upon receipt of the signed assessment plan by the LEA. 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. 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. 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, SELPA, 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) . SELPA forms are available on the website for member LEAs to use upon receipt of a referral for special education assessment (SELPA 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 (D/M 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.
Chapter 1 - Identification and Referral, Desert/Mountain SELPA As of 8/27/2021 Steering Committee Approval
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