What Is a Child Study Team?

In New Jersey public schools, the child study team is the group of district professionals who evaluate students and determine eligibility for special education. It typically includes a school psychologist, a learning disabilities teacher-consultant and a school social worker, and it works with parents, teachers and other specialists as needed.

• School psychologist: learning, behavior and cognitive assessment
• Learning disabilities teacher-consultant: academic skills and educational assessment
• School social worker: family and social history, school and community supports
• Case manager: the team member assigned to coordinate your child's evaluations, meetings and IEP
• Others as needed: speech-language specialist, occupational or physical therapist, school nurse, teachers, and the parent or guardian

1. 1Reviews a referral or parent request

   The team meets to decide whether an evaluation is warranted and, if so, which assessments are needed.

2. 2Obtains written parental consent

   Evaluations require consent. Ask what each proposed assessment involves before you sign.

3. 3Completes evaluations

   Different team members complete different parts. Ask when reports will be available to you.

4. 4Determines eligibility

   The team meets to discuss the results and whether your child is eligible for special education and related services.

5. 5Develops and reviews the plan

   If eligible, the team develops an IEP and reviews it over time.

• Ask for your case manager's name, email and phone number, and use email so there is a record.
• Ask how much notice you will get before meetings and how to request a meeting yourself.
• Ask for evaluation reports in advance so you have time to read them.
• If you do not understand something, ask for it in writing and in plain language.

• Who is my child's case manager, and what is the best way to reach them?
• Which evaluations are proposed, and what does each one involve?
• When will I receive the reports, and how far in advance of the meeting?
• Who will attend the eligibility meeting?
• How does the team decide eligibility?
• If my child is not eligible, what other school supports exist?

• The child study team is a school district team; it is not a medical or clinical team.
• An educational determination is not a medical diagnosis, and a medical diagnosis is not an educational eligibility determination.
• Not every child evaluated is found eligible for special education.
• Vicabell does not attend meetings, advocate for families or interpret evaluation results.

• Email your child's school to ask for the name and contact information of the child study team case manager, and save the reply.

• How to Request a Special Education Evaluation in NJ
• IEP Basics: What Is Actually in an IEP?
• I Think My Child Needs Help at School — Where Do I Start?

• NJ Department of Education, Office of Special Education State information about special education in New Jersey public schools.
• SPAN Parent Advocacy Network New Jersey's Parent Training and Information Center for families of children with disabilities.
• Disability Rights New Jersey New Jersey's designated protection and advocacy organization.