How does my child transition to school?

Although not every child with an autism spectrum disorder will attend public school, many will. As public school systems continue to learn more about educating children with ASDs and including them in classrooms with their typically developing peers, this number is likely to grow. Transitioning from Early Intervention Services into the public school system is one of the first big transitions in your child’s life – and yours. While there are differences among school districts regarding when and how the process is initiated and completed, the following outline will give you a general idea about what to expect.

What is special education?

It can be many different types of services. Some children need to be educated in a special classroom. Some need additional help in a regular classroom. Others need related services, like speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, ABA and social skills groups to meet their needs. As a parent, you are the best advocate for your child. Legally, you are entitled to and must be informed of all services available to your child. The greater your involvement and voice, the greater the outcome.

What is a TEAM evaluation?

To begin special education services, you should request a TEAM evaluation, sometimes called a “CORE.” A TEAM evaluation is a group of assessments that will help the public school systems determine whether your child has a disability that requires special education (programs and services adapted for the education of children with disabilities or unique needs). The test results will define your child’s strengths and areas of need. Your child’s eligibility for special education, as well as subsequent program planning, is based upon the results of the TEAM evaluation. The rest of this packet is designed to help you understand the TEAM process, your legal rights and the important deadlines.

Understanding the Process

It is extremely important that you understand all that occurs throughout the process.  The following advice may help you.

  1. Other parents are significant resources as they are experiencing or have experienced the same or very similar situations to you. Ask questions. When you do not understand something at a meeting, ask someone to further explain.

  2. Prepare for meetings and phone calls concerning your child. Be familiar with the information that will be discussed and list all concerns that you expect to be addressed.

  3. Obtain as much information as you can about the process and your rights. Contact the Federation for Children with Special Needs at 1-800-331-0688 or visit their website at www.fcsn.org.

  4. Utilize advocates. Professional representatives can help you make your voice heard. An educational advocate can be assigned by the Department of Education to act on behalf of a child when the child’s parents are unavailable or have no educational decision-making rights.  Private independent advocates are available for all, although families that are 400 percent above the federal poverty level (about $68,000 annual income for a family of four) can be charged a fee for services. The Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) provides a list of free and low-cost advocacy services and attorneys upon request (contact at 781-388-6400).

  5. Take advantage of parent groups. Other parents are significant resources as they are experiencing or have experienced the same or very similar situations to you. The three major parent resources are:

    • MASSPAC (www.masspac.org) or www.concordspedpac.org to find listings for your own town’s Parent Advisory Council.

    • Federation for Children with Special Needs (www.fcsn.org)

    • Zone Parent Centers for Boston Public schools

  6. Notify your child’s primary care provider. Your child’s provider can better serve your child if he is aware that your child is receiving a TEAM evaluation. It is important that the doctor knows about the proceeding and what services your child receives as a result.

Important reminders

  • A TEAM evaluation and the services your child may receive are all free

  • All children in public school (regardless of immigration status) are able to request a TEAM evaluation. Transition to school timeline for parents, caregiver or professionals concerned about child’s development requests TEAM referral receive services.

For specific questions about transition, contact Claire Brady, Family Support Specialist/Department of Education. 617-988-7811 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it