What are the first steps in the IDEA eligibility process?

The first steps in the IDEA eligibility process are indeed referral and evaluation. This process begins when a child is suspected to have a disability that may require special education services. A referral can be made by parents, teachers, or other professionals who observe signs of potential disabilities. Once the referral is made, an evaluation takes place to determine whether the child indeed has a disability that qualifies for services under IDEA.

The evaluation process includes gathering comprehensive information about the child's educational performance and development. This may involve various assessments, observations, and gathering input from parents and teachers. The outcome of this evaluation is crucial as it determines the child's eligibility for special education services and helps in crafting an appropriate Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to the child's specific needs.

In contrast, while assessment and intervention, placement and review, and monitoring and reporting are all important components of the special education process, they occur after the initial referral and evaluation steps have taken place. Thus, understanding the correct order of these steps is essential for effective navigation through the IDEA eligibility process.