NC 1503-2.2 Initial Evaluations

Plain English summary

This regulation requires LEAs to conduct a full individual initial evaluation before providing special education services, with a strict 90-day timeline from written referral to completed evaluation, eligibility determination, IEP development, and placement. Parents or LEAs may initiate the request, and the LEA must assist parents in completing written referrals upon oral request. Limited exceptions to the 90-day timeline exist when parents fail to cooperate or when a child transfers to a new LEA mid-process.

Key requirements

• Each LEA must conduct a full and individual initial evaluation (including progress monitoring data) in accordance with NC 1503-2.5 through NC 1503-2.7 before the initial provision of special education and related services to a child with a disability under these Policies.
• Upon an oral request for an initial evaluation from a parent, the LEA shall provide assistance, as needed, in completing a written referral.
• Evaluations must be conducted, eligibility determined, and for an eligible child, the IEP developed, and placement completed within 90 days of receipt of a written referral.
• The IEP Team must determine if the child is a child with a disability under NC 1500-2.4 and the educational needs of the child.
• The exception in paragraph (d)(3) applies only if the subsequent LEA is making sufficient progress to ensure a prompt completion of the evaluation, and the parent and subsequent LEA agree to a specific time when the evaluation will be completed.

Affected parties

• Local Education Agencies (LEAs)
• Parents of children with potential disabilities
• Children suspected of having disabilities
• IEP Teams
• Special Education Staff

Official source

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/documents/publications/catalog/ec144-policies-governing-services/open#page=60