Policy Manual

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Policy IHBAA

It shall be the policy of South Portland School Department to refer all school-age students suspected of having a disability that requires special education to the IEP Team for an evaluation in all suspected areas of disability.  

Referrals of students to the IEP team may be made by parents at any time, and by professional school staff regardless of the results of the initial child find activities, but after completion of the general education intervention process. The school unit may move directly forward with the referral process in those circumstances where the school unit and parent agree to do so.  Even in that situation, however, general education interventions will continue during the referral process. Other individuals or agency representatives (including representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services) with knowledge of the child may also make referrals.   Any such referral should be made in accordance with procedures that may be approved by the Superintendent of Schools.

Regardless of the source of the referral, a referral will be considered received by the school unit on the date that the written referral is received by the office of the Director of Instructional Support.  It shall be signed and dated by the Director of Instructional Support or designee, thereby indicating the date of the receipt of that referral.  

The Superintendent, in consultation with the Director of Instructional Support, may develop procedures for referral and the use of general education interventions within the local school unit, and may from time to time amend those procedures as necessary.

Legal Reference: Me. Dept. of Educ. Rule Ch. 101, §§ II(16), III, IV(2)(D), (E), V(4)(A) (July 2023).

Cross Reference: IHBAC – Child Find 

IHBAA – Referral Procedures and General Education Interventions

Adopted: March 14, 1994

Revised: December 12, 2011

Revised: April 11, 2023

Revised: August 19, 2024

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