Child Study Process

If a classroom teacher notices that a student is having difficulty in the classroom due to academic (reading, math or writing), behavioral problems, or some other difficulty, she/he will try various interventions to see if the child may be given assistance. Often these interventions result in the student becoming more successful in school. The parents will be kept informed of the child's progress. If these procedures are not successful, the teacher may talk with the building principal to determine if a Child Study meeting would be appropriate. 

The building's Teacher Consultant (TC) will request that the child have academic testing and/or a behavioral questionnaire will be given to the teacher and the parents to complete. The TC will observe the student in school and review the school records to determine if there is any relevant background information that would be helpful to the Child Study Team. Each building holds Child Study Meetings twice monthly. The Child Study Team consists of the general education teacher, the Teacher Consultant, School Psychologist and other staff who may be working with the child. The student’s background, recent testing, and other relevant information are discussed at the Child Study Meeting. Some possible outcomes of a Child Study Meeting may be to: 1) implement intervention strategies, 2) develop a behavioral plan, or 3) request an evaluation for special education services. If a child is suspected of having a disability, the special education process would begin with parental permission.