If the family decides not to proceed with the referral for special education, the Birth to 3 Program will ensure that the LEA is informed of the parent s decision. This process could include sending a copy of a form signed by the parent indicating the parent s refusal to give permission to make the referral to the LEA and refusal to transfer any information. The parent s refusal would be considered a refusal for the LEA to begin an initial evaluation at this time. The family may refer the child for an evaluation at any time and the LEA must initiate an evaluation upon receipt of such referral. In some instances, the family already understands the special education process and is ready to make a referral for a special education evaluation prior to the transition planning conference.
Some parents are already familiar with the special education process.
They have enough information to know they want to proceed with the special education referral, and they do not need the transition planning conference to gather more information. In these instances, the parent gives Birth to 3 Program staff consent to invite the LEA staff to the transition planning conference, make the written referral for special education, and send Birth to 3 Program records. In this instance, the transition planning conference and IEP team process can work together. The date the LEA receives this referral begins the 90-day timeline and, therefore, should be at least 90 days before the child s third birthday. Prior to the conference, the LEA sends the parent written notice of receipt of referral and start of initial evaluation.