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Special Education Assessment and Eligibility

As teachers observe children learning and playing in their classrooms, they may notice students who could benefit from additional support. These children may have a disability or developmental delay that has not yet been identified. Teachers can share their concerns with the child’s family, who may take the next steps in discovering if their child has a disability. Educators can walk them through the process with empathy, information, and support.

Illinois Early Learning has developed a series of tip sheets that describe the steps leading up to receiving special education services. Teachers can share these tip sheets with families at key points in the journey. Learn more about how these tip sheets can be used in this tool kit, which is based on the Special Education Assessment tip sheet series.

Learn About Assessment

Assessment is one way to learn more about a child and their development. Assessment gives families, caregivers, and teachers helpful information about a child. Many assessments, such as those related to overall learning and development, are given to all children in a classroom. Other assessments, such as those to determine if a child has a specific disability, are given to individual children as concerns about their development arise.

Families may wonder about assessment for young children. The tip sheet What is Assessment? gives a general overview. It is relevant for all families and can be shared during parent-teacher conferences. It is especially helpful for families beginning the process of determining if a child will receive special education services.

Referral and Getting Started

When a caregiver in a preschooler’s life notices signs of a disability or developmental delay, they may suggest an assessment through the public education system. A diagnosis, or confirmation of a delay or disability, can lead to the child receiving educational services and supports.

This process of requesting an assessment to confirm a delay or disability is called a referral. Parents may not know what to expect in the referral process. Teachers can share the tip sheet Special Education for Preschool-Aged Children: Referral and Getting Started with families. It provides information about the referral process, parents’ rights, and advocating for the child.

Participating in the Assessment

When a child is being assessed for special education services, the process can sometimes feel long and confusing. The local education agency (LEA), usually a local school district, has defined steps and timelines for this process. They ensure that a thorough assessment is conducted.

Teachers can share information about the steps that occur as children and families participate in an assessment for special education. Educators can also give practical strategies to caregivers who advocate for their child during this process. The tip sheet Special Education for Preschool-Aged Children: Participating in the Assessment is a good resource for parents at this point in the journey.

Reviewing Results and Next Steps

After a child is assessed for special education services, a meeting is held to review the assessment results. There are two possible outcomes. One is that the child qualifies for special education services and an IEP (Individualized Education Program) is created. The other is that the child does not qualify for special education services. In this case, the LEA may suggest other ways to support them.

During this part of the assessment, parents may benefit from help reviewing and understanding the assessment report. They will want to advocate for their child during the assessment report meeting. Educators can assist by providing the tip sheet Special Education for Preschool-Aged Children: Reviewing Results and Next Steps at this juncture.

Learn About IEPs

An IEP is an Individualized Education Program for a child age 3 through 21 who has been diagnosed with disabilities or developmental delays. IEPs provide a roadmap for special education services.

For parents whose child has recently qualified for special education services, the IEP process may be unfamiliar. Educators can provide information about who is involved in an IEP, how the IEP is created, and what the IEP looks like. This information is found in the tip sheet What is an IEP?

Investigate Inclusive Preschool Classrooms

Children with disabilities have the right to an education with their typically developing peers. This is accomplished through inclusion, where children of all abilities learn together. Families may want to learn more about inclusion and how that relates to their child’s IEP. The tip sheet Inclusion in Preschool Classrooms provides information about what inclusion means, the role of the inclusion team, and how inclusion works.