Eligibility for Services

When a parent or teacher worries about a student's progress, the school's Student Assistance Team (SAT) meets. This team creates a plan with specific strategies to help the student succeed. Parents are part of this team and know what interventions the school is using. If these steps do not help, the school may refer the student for a multidisciplinary evaluation (MDT). Before the first MDT evaluation can start, a parent must sign a written consent form giving permission.

The Multidisciplinary Team tests the student and reviews their needs. Parents help gather this information. The whole team, including the parents/guardians, looks at the results to see if the student qualifies for special education under federal and state rules for a disability category. 

The possible disability categories include: Autism, Emotional Disturbance, Deaf-Blindness, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Impairments, Orthopedic Impairments, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech-Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment.

The MDT report shows the student's current performance levels. If the student qualifies for special education services, the MDT information helps the team write an Individualized Education Program (IEP). 

For more information, please contact your child's school or the Special Education Department at (531) 299-0244.

If you have concerns regarding the development of your child who is between the ages of birth thru two years old, please call the Early Development Network at (531) 299-0242 or email birthto3referrals@ops.org to discuss your concerns.

If you have concerns regarding the development of your child who is between the ages of three to five years old, please call the Early Childhood Education office at (531) 299-0303 or email ECSEReferral@ops.org and indicate that you are requesting an evaluation for developmental concerns.