Special education law

Special Education Timeline

  • Note

    Note
    Information on this timeline was found in the New Hampshire Special Education Safeguards Handbook (2014). Pictures are from pixabay.com. N.H. State Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, Parent Information Center, et al. (2014). New Hampshire special education procedural safeguards handbook. Retrieved from http://education.nh.gov/instruction/special_ed/documents/procedural_safeguards_handbook_october_2014.pdf
  • Referral

    Referral
    Your student is referred to be evaluated for Special Education services. This referral for evaluation can be made by anyone who works with your child. If you did not refer your child to be evaluated, you will be notified that a referral has been made.
  • Disposition of Referral Meeting

    Disposition of Referral Meeting
    This is the last day that a disposition of referral meeting can occur. During this meeting, various staff members as well as you will talk about your child, their strengths, and their needs. If it is decided at the meeting that your child should be evaluated, no testing or evaluation can happen without your consent.
  • Evaluation

    Evaluation
    This is the last day evaluations may happen unless you agree to a time extension of no more than 15 days. When testing is completed, you will receive a written summary of the findings and evaluations given to your child. This information should be given to you 5 days before the IEP meeting.
  • The Individualized Education Plan/Program

    The Individualized Education Plan/Program
    Once your child is found to be eligible for special education services, an IEP team meets to develop the document that will outline your child’s individual education plan/program (IEP).
  • Annual IEP Review

    Annual IEP Review
    At the beginning of each school year, your child’s IEP must be agreed upon by you and the school. Every year, your child’s IEP is going to be reviewed and if needed, revised to meet your child’s needs and strengths. Written notice of IEP meetings should be given to you 10 days before the meeting.