What is the Special Education process sequence?

There are 6 steps in the special education process in New Hampshire:

1. Referral to the school team where a decision is made as to what next steps need to be taken.

2. Evaluation and assessment to determine the child’s strengths and weaknesses, the type of disability the child may have, and the impact the disability may have on the child’s learning and involvement in curriculum.

3. Determination of eligibility by a team of people, including the child’s parents and regular education teacher, a special education teacher, and a representative from the school district, that the child meets both criteria: 1) The child has a disability which fits one of the 13 categories; and, 2) The child requires or needs special education because of that disability.

4. Development and approval of the Individualized Education Program (IEP)

5. Placement or where the services will be implemented is decided. The child must be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

6. Ongoing monitoring of the IEP, including quarterly progress report

7. Annual review of the IEP, with re-evaluation every 3 years