September 1999 1. ESE serves students who are determined to be developmentally, physically, or mentally impaired or handicapped, gifted students, and students who are hospitalized or homebound. Student enrollment in ESE programs is one factor considered in determining what funding a school district receives. The free program will provide special materials and educational services that meet the needs of the child.
Some school districts have services for children younger than three.
A referral form for evaluation is completed for a child thought to need services by either the parent, the student, a teacher, a doctor, or a social worker. The school determines if an individual evaluation is needed. A child is determined eligible through the evaluation process and a determination of whether the child meets State Board of Education requirements for ESE education made through an eligibility staffing meeting. In all cases, parents review and agree to the educational services to be provided for the child. The IEP is a written document that tells the parent, the teaching staff, and other school staff what special services and programs will be provided to the ESE student.