NEW RI REFERRALS, EVALUATION, ELIGIBILITY,

IEP AND RE-EVALUATION

UNDER IDEA 2004

                                Referral

10 schools days        Local Education Agency (LEA) conducts a meeting to review a referral for special education evaluation within 10 days of receipt.

                                Referral is reviewed by a team of qualified professionals and the parent.  (RI Reg. 300.531)

10 school days         If an evaluation is needed, it must start no later than 10 school days after the receipt of parental consent to evaluate.  (RI Reg. 300.531)

                               Evaluation/Eligibility

60 Calendar days    Within 60 calendar days of parental consent to evaluate:

                                (1)    Child is evaluated

                                (2)    Eligibility determination meeting is conducted

                                (3)    A written report of the evaluation team is made available to the LEA and the parent(s), and, if the child is determined eligible for special

                                        education services, the report is made available to the IEP Team. 

15 school days        IEP

                               If eligible, an IEP meeting is conducted and an IEP is developed for the child.  (RI Reg. 300.343)

                               Re-evaluation                

                               A re-evaluation must occur-

Not more than                1. Not more frequently than once a year, unless the parent and the local educational agency agree otherwise; and

1 time per year                2. At least every three years, unless the parent and the local educational agency agree that re-evaluation is unnecessary. 

(unless by agreement)        

Every 3 years          A re-evaluation must be conducted at least every 3 years or sooner if conditions warrant or if a parent or teacher requests a re-evaluation.

(or sooner)              (RI Reg. 300.536)

15 school days        If, as a result of a re-evaluation, the child continues to be eligible for special education services, an IEP meeting must be conducted within 15

                               school days of the determination of continued eligibility and an IEP developed for the child.  (RI Reg. 300.536)