OCEAN GATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

New Jersey Special Education Process

https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/info/process.pdf

In New Jersey, as well as other states across the country, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a written document that outlines a child’s (with a special need or disability) education, ages 3-21.  The plan is tailored specifically to the individual student, so they receive maximum educational benefit.  The key word is individual.  A program that is appropriate for one student, may not be right for another.

For a child with a disability, the IEP is the cornerstone for their education.  It identifies the services that a child needs so that he/she can grow and learn during the school year in a manner that recognizes their disability and challenges.  An IEP is also a legal document that outlines three key topics:

• The child’s special education plan that includes their goals for the school year
• Services needed to help the child reach those goals
• A strategy to evaluate the student’s success and progress

Our team plays an essential role in the total educational program.   The members:

• Serve as consultants to faculty and administration regarding students
• Conduct comprehensive studies of students with significant learning and/or behavioral difficulties
• Recommend educational strategies and programs to meet the special needs of students, and
• Work with parents and community agencies to promote a cooperative approach to the educational, social, and physical wellbeing of children.

Who Qualifies For An IEP

Two conditions must be met in order for a child to be eligible for an IEP:

1. An evaluation. Parents, teachers, school counselors, or anyone who suspects a student is struggling in school can request an evaluation of the student. A school psychologist or other professional may give your child various tests and evaluate them in the classroom.  The evaluation must be comprehensive and must look at all of the following:

• Health
• Vision
• Social and emotional development
• Learning potential
• Academic performance
• Communication skills
• Motor skills

2. A decision. Upon completion of the evaluation the IEP team who evaluated your child will decide whether or not they need special education services in order to learn the curriculum.  If your child is found eligible for an IEP, then the next step is to create the IEP specific to your child.

IEP Meeting

To develop an IEP for your child, your local education agency officials and others involved in your child’s educational program meet to discuss education related goals.  According to law(s), the following individuals must be invited to the IEP meeting:

• You (the parent/guardian)
• Your child’s teacher
• A local education agency representative
• Your child
• Other individuals at your discretion (your child’s doctor, etc.)

The process timeline is as follows:

The New Jersey Special Education Law Book

https://www.state.nj.us/education/code/current/title6a/chap14.pdf