How to Initiate Early Childhood Screening and Evaluation

The following tips are for parents who have concerns regarding speech, hearing, or other developmental issues for a child between the ages of birth to 5 years:

1. Contact the local special education agency to discuss your concerns (usually a school district).

2. Some special education agencies will refer birth to 2 years 9 months children to a separate agency. The initial point of contact should still be the special education agency.

3. Options will be provided to parents regarding screening versus full evaluation. A screening is an informal observation to determine if a more formal evaluation is necessary. Parents should be provided a copy of parent rights.

4. A screening may be conducted to determine if a full evaluation is necessary. If a full evaluation is deemed appropriate, parents will be required to sign a consent form.

5. A mutual exchange of information form may be provided for parents to give consent for the special education agency to have open communication with doctors, preschools, daycare, or any other relevant agency/persons.

6. Parents or other caregivers may be asked to complete behavior rating scales or other questionnaires.

7. When the evaluation is completed, a meeting will be set up to discuss the information gathered and to determine if the child meets the criteria for placement in a special education program.

8. If the child qualifies for special education services, a meeting will be scheduled to develop an IFSP to address any services required to help meet the child’s special education needs.