How does the referral process start if I think my child might be eligible for Special Education services?
State law emphasizes that a student is to be referred for special education instruction and services only after the resources of the general education program have been considered and, where appropriate, utilized. In the Chula Vista Elementary School District this “pre-referral” requirement is usually met through the Student Study Team (SST) process. SSTs are typically composed of parents, a school administrator, the student’s general class teachers, and may also include the school psychologist, speech therapist, and/or resource specialist. During the SST meeting, members review the student’s educational strengths, areas of concern, and previous interventions that have been attempted. Members discuss possible programs and interventions to meet the student’s needs and an action plan is developed. One of the many possible recommendations from the SST may be a referral for a 504 Plan if a handicapping condition exists. If more intense services are needed, the SST may make a direct referra
