This is Part II of a multipart series that will examine the law behind Individualized Education Programs (“IEPs”), how parents can find out whether their child is eligible for an IEP, how IEPs are created, and how parents can effectively use an IEP once it is established.
Parents are often the first to notice that a child may be suffering from developmental delays, learning disabilities, or physical or mental impairments. As a result, it is important for parents to know where to turn in order to find out whether their child qualifies for an IEP and the additional services that come with it. Parents of children already in school should talk to the child’s teacher(s) and/or school administrators about whether academic or developmental testing should be conducted. The results of this testing will indicate whether an IEP is appropriate.
Parents of children not yet in school should contact the human services or social services department of the county where the child lives and ask who to speak with regarding developmental testing for IEPs. The following is more specific contact information for the four counties comprising the Twin Cities metro area:
- Parents of children in Hennepin County should contact Front Door Screening at (612)348-4111.
- Parents of children in Ramsey County should complete a developmental disabilities child intake by calling (651)266-4500.
- Parents of children in Dakota County should call (952)891-7459.
- Parents of children in Washington County should contact the birth-3 program or preschool in their respective school district for assessment and then call developmental disabilities at (651)430-4140 with the assessment information.
If you suspect your child is suffering from developmental delays, learning disabilities, or physical or mental impairments it is important to get them tested as soon as possible because early intervention improves the child’s chances of long-term success.
