Eligibility Overview

I thought I'd share an overview of the initial special education eligibility process. When parents first explore getting resources to meet their child’s needs, it can be an overwhelming system to learn. (I know it was for me!) Below are two flowcharts that give a general idea about the initial process, whether it is initiated by a parent or the school.

This particular flowchart references the process and terminology as it is applied in the state of Pennsylvania. While various states and localities may have some variations of terminology or procedural application, the general process and concepts are consistent throughout the United States in K-12 education. http://www.mciu.org/Portals/0/MCIUDocuments/SPED/EI/Eval-IEP%20Process.pdf.

Many needs are accommodated through a 504 Plan without developing and Individual Education Plan (IEP). This flowchart shows an overview of this process, and illustrates some of the differences between establishing a 504 from an IEP.

~Barbara