Delran Township School District

How is a student referred for a Child Study Team Evaluation?

Students between the ages of 3 and 21 suspected of having an educational disability may be referred to the Child Study Team for an evaluation by a variety of sources, but they generally come from one of the following:

• Parents: Parents may request a Child Study Team Evaluation by contacting the School Counselor at their child’s school and forwarding the request in writing.
  
  Parent referral letters must include the following information before sending it to the CST secretary:
  • Date
  • Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name
  • Parent(s)/Guardian(s) full address
  • Parent(s)/Guardian(s) phone number
  • Parent(s)/Guardian(s) email address
  • Student’s full name
  • Student’s date of birth
  • Student’s current grade
  • Specific concerns
  • Parent(s)/Guardian(s) original signature

  Important: If any of the above is not provided in the parent referral letter, the CST secretary will not be able to initiate the referral process and schedule an Initial Identification meeting.

• Intervention and Referral Services: IR&S is a building-based interdisciplinary group that meets regularly to provide interventions. If they determine more information is needed, they may recommend a CST evaluation.
• Administrators or Outside Agencies: School principals or external professionals (doctor, social worker, etc.) may also refer a student.

Who are the members of the Child Study Team?

The New Jersey Department of Education requires the team to include a school psychologist, a learning disabilities teacher consultant, and a school social worker. All are certified and employed by the Delran Township Board of Education.

What is the procedure after the referral is made?

After a referral, the Case Manager has 20 days to schedule an Identification Meeting, which includes relevant staff and the parent. The student is not automatically tested—eligibility is discussed first.

What is the procedure if the student is going to be tested?

Once testing is approved and written consent is given, the district has 90 days to complete evaluations. An Eligibility Conference is then held to determine if the student qualifies for services.

If a student is eligible does that mean he or she will be in a special education class?

No. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed. Most eligible students in Delran receive services within general education programs.

Project Child Find

Project Child Find, under IDEA, ensures that all children with disabilities are identified and evaluated. New Jersey also offers early intervention for infants and toddlers through this program.

The Delran School District actively identifies students with suspected disabilities, including private school attendees. Early detection allows for tailored educational services.

If your preschool child may have developmental delays or you have concerns, contact the Special Education Supervisors at 856-461-6800 for screening.

Child Find Process

After screening:

• Some children may not need full evaluation and will receive community resources or home support suggestions.
• Others may be referred for a full developmental assessment to determine eligibility for preschool special needs services.

Who May Refer a Child?

Referrals are usually made by parents but can also be made (with consent) by healthcare providers, social workers, or caregivers familiar with the child’s development.

What is the Cost?

There is no cost for screening, evaluations, or special education services—including transportation—for eligible children in Delran Township.