Operation Search seeks out
children who might need
special education.
children who might need
special education.
The Department of Education (DOE) must make an effort to locate children with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services. This child find campaign, called Operation Search, must include students who are in private school and students who move around a lot or are homeless. Children under three years of age are referred to the Department of Health, Early Intervention Section for evaluation.
Parents and teachers can refer a
child for evaluation.
child for evaluation.
If you suspect that your child may need special education services because of learning difficulties, physical disabilities or behavior problems, you can request an evaluation by the DOE. A request for evaluation may be made to your child’s home school either: 1) verbally, in person or on the phone, 2) in a written letter (including fax or email, or 3) on the State of Hawaii Request for Evaluation Form.
You can help the school gather information about your child’s needs.
Once the school receives your request, it will gather important information to help in deciding whether an evaluation is needed. Examples are report cards, class work, statewide assessments, teacher observations, medical records, and any reports that you have to offer from a previous program or a medical professional. You may be invited to a meeting at school to review the information, discuss your child’s needs, and determine whether an evaluation, including additional information or assessments is needed.
Within 15 days, the school must
let you know in writing if your child
will be referred for an evaluation.
let you know in writing if your child
will be referred for an evaluation.
After all the information is reviewed, a determination is made to evaluate or not evaluate and communicated to the parent through a Prior Written Notice (PWN), If there is a suspicion of a disability that affects learning, the PWN will describe what tests that will be used and the other ways it will collect information about your child to determine eligibility for special education.
Consent is need for an evaluation.
You will be asked to give your informed written consent. Your permission does NOT mean that you have also given your consent for the school to start providing special education and related services to your child.
If the school decides NOT to
evaluate your child, other options are available.
evaluate your child, other options are available.
Other options you and the school may consider include:
- addressing your child’s needs through regular education classroom interventions, or through additional supports, such as counseling or referral to a community program,
- using existing information (if sufficient) to determine your child’s eligibility for special education, and
- referring your child for a Chapter 61 (Section 504) evaluation.
If you disagree with the decision not to evaluate or do further assessments, you may request a due process hearing. (See DUE PROCESS).
