Referral Process

Below Age 5

Parents of children below age five who would like their child evaluated to determine if they have a disability may call the Sandhills Educational Services Office (308-872-5606) or stop by the office located in the Broken Bow Middle School.  

For children under the age of three, the Early Childhood Services Coordinator, Cinda Jensen, will meet with the family to gather the initial information, explain the referral and evaluation process, and schedule testing/meeting.

For children from three to five, the parent, with the assistance of SESC staff, fill out a referral form.  After the referral information is reviewed by School Psychologist, a SESC staff member will contact the parent(s) to explain the evaluation process and schedule testing and meetings

Age 5-21

Parents or teachers of children suspected of having a disability must first request a Student Assistance Team (SAT) within their child's neighborhood school to discuss and address their questions and concerns.  Each building has an assigned SAT Chairperson.  Call your child's building principal and ask to speak to the SAT Chair about your concerns.

If the building level SAT determines that every available resource within the school's programs can not resolve a child's learning problems, they will recommend a special education evaluation from the SESC staff.  An SESC staff member will contact the parents and explain the evaluation process.  No evaluations can take place until the parent gives written permission for such an evaluation. 

Following the evaluation a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) will meet with the parents to discuss the results of the evaluation and make recommendations regarding how to meet the child's learning needs.  If the child has a disability, an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) will be developed to address these needs.  Parents must participate in developing the IEP and must give written permission before this special education program can begin.