Help/FAQ

If your child attends a BISD school, contact your child's teacher to discuss your concerns.  You can also contact the campus administration team.  It is recommended that you put your request in writing.  Upon receipt of your request, the campus team will meet with you to discuss your concerns and consider evaluation.

If your child is not enrolled because they are either too young, enrolled in a private school, or you are homeschooling your child, you can request an evaluation by contacting Belton Special Programs at 254-215-2112.

Early childhood special education services for children age 3-6 have been identified under the umbrella term Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD). In the fall of 2020, PPCD was rebranded to be called Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE).

It's commonly perceived as a classroom setting for preschool children but it is actually the continuum of services offered to children age 3-6.  Children must be evaluated to determine if they are eligible for ECSE services. These services can range from a single service such as speech therapy to a combination of instructional and related services. The determination of where and how the services are provided is made by the ARD committee. 

This is a great question!  Here are 4 key distinctions:

1. Section 504 evaluation does not require the administration of formal standardized testing. 
2. Section 504 eligibility is not limited to the disability categories established under IDEA. 
3. Under Section 504 a student can be eligible for protective rights but not need an accommodation plan. 
4. Under IDEA students must have both a disability and educational need to receive an IEP. 

Resource: Keys to Understanding Section 504 and IDEA

A Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE), the formal name for a special education evaluation, is a comprehensive assessment of a student's strengths and needs.  It is the district's duty to address all areas of suspected disability. This means that evaluation staff must consider all of the areas of concern noted by the parent/guardian, student, and school staff and use informal and formal data to determine if the concerns rise to the level of a disability.  It is a big job that requires gaining input from all stakeholders, observing the student in a variety of academic settings, and administering formal assessments.  In Texas, evaluation staff must complete the FIE in 45 school days from the date consent is received.  In order to do our best work for the student, the evaluation staff should not rush through an evaluation.

Other frequently asked questions: SpedTex.org/FAQ