Each week the Sheldon staff reviews one of our Head Start Policies & Procedures and felt it was important that families stay up to date on these as well. This quarter our focus is on Mental Health, Disability, and Child Development and Education. If you ever have any questions regarding our policies and procedures, please reach out!
Referral-Evaluation
POLICY:
Children who fail, or have abnormal screening results, will be referred for further assessment/evaluation. This policy relates to Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR Part 1302.33; 1302.61; 1302.62; and 1302.63
PROCEDURE:
Step 1: Level 1 screening (ASQ-3) collected at the beginning of the year. A low score on this screening would trigger the process. Teacher submitted Concern Sheets also triggers the process.
Step 2: Develop and implement classroom intervention to target the area of concern for 4-6 weeks (4 weeks for behavior, 6 weeks for academics).
Step 3: Assess effectiveness of classroom interventions. Determine if intervention needs to continue, be modified; or if the child should be dismissed from intervention or referred for GEI or a Special Education evaluation.
Step 4: Consent from Parent/Guardian for Special Education evaluation or GEI.
Step 5: If a GEI referral, the GEI team (Principal, Mental Health/Disabilities Coordinator, Compliance Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Classroom Teacher, Parent/Guardian, other providers as needed) will meet to develop and implement a GEI plan to target the area of concern for 4-6 weeks (4 weeks for behavior, 6 weeks for academics). Access effectiveness of intervention and determine if it needs to continue or be modified; or if the child should be dismissed from GEI or referred for a Special Education evaluation.
Step 6: Level 2 screening will take place. A Dial will be completed by Special Education staff. Scores under 7% move forward to a Special Education evaluation. Scores above are reported to teachers for referral to GEI.
Step 7: If a Special Education evaluation, each specialist evaluates their own area. The team takes all scores into account and determines the child’s qualification. This process should be completed within 40 school days.
Step 8: Evaluation meeting is held. If the student qualifies, an IEP meeting will be scheduled. If a student does not qualify, a meeting to go over evaluation results and the team's recommendation not to qualify will be scheduled.
