Referral process
A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes that a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child's parent that the referral will be made. Anyone else, including parents, who believes a child might have a disability may refer the child to the school for a Special Education evaluation.
Referrals must be in writing and include the reason/s why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Laurin Dodd, Director of Pupil Services. Please see contact information below
Laurin Dodd
Director of Pupil Services
920-582-0922
[email protected]
233 S. 3rd Ave, Winneconne, WI 54986
What happens after a referral is received?
The referral will be reviewed by Laurin Dodd, Director of Pupil Services, and an evaluation team will be formed. WCSD (the Local Educational Agency or LEA), obtains informed consent from the child's parent before administering assessments or other evaluation materials to the child. Please note that parental consent for the evaluation does not constitute consent for placement for receipt of special education and related services. An evaluation will be conducted to determine whether the child is a child with a disability and meets WI DPI impairment criteria. If the student is found to have a disability and a need for special education and related services, an IEP (Individualized Education Program) will be created and an additional consent for placement is required from parents before services are provided.
Please see the Special Education evaluation timeline below (from WI DPI)
