Evaluation Process Reference Sheet
Child Study Team (CST) Mandated Timeline
Evaluation & Eligibility Process
Timeline Guidelines, Evaluator Responsibilities & Eligibility Protocol
Statutory Deadline
90-Day Total Window
10-Day Report Rule
90-Day Timeline & Key Milestones
From Identification Meeting Consent to Eligibility Determination
Day 0 Milestone 1
ID Meeting & Consent
- CST & parents determine eval need.
- Signed parental consent obtained.
- 90-day clock begins immediately.
Lead: Case Manager
Days 1–75 Milestone 2
Multi-Disciplinary Evals
- Evaluators conduct assessments.
- Classroom observations & inputs.
- Individual reports drafted & finalized.
Lead: Assigned Evaluators
Day 80 Mandatory Rule
Reports to Parents
- 10 days prior to eligibility meeting.
- Parents receive all written reports.
- Ensures meaningful review time.
Rule: 10-Day Advance Delivery
Day 90 Max Milestone 3
Eligibility Meeting
- Each evaluator explains assessment.
- Case Manager reviews timeline/rules.
- Team determines SpEd eligibility.
Outcome: Eligibility / IEP Draft
Eligibility Meeting Presentation Protocol
1. Case Manager Overview & Timeline Meeting Chair
Explains the CST timeline, reviews parental rights (PRISE), clarifies procedural milestones, and guides the team through the criteria for eligibility determination.
2. Multi-Disciplinary Evaluators Diagnostic Data
Each evaluator presents their own assessment (Psychological, Educational/LDTC, Social History, Speech/Language, OT/PT), explaining standard scores, observations, and recommendations in parent-friendly language.
3. General Education & Related Staff Classroom Context
Shares academic progress, curriculum-based measures, classroom behavioral observations, and the effectiveness of Tier 1/2 accommodations tried to date.
Timeline & Compliance FAQs
Q: What is the strict 10-day report requirement?
State and federal regulations require that parents receive full copies of all written evaluation reports at least 10 calendar days prior to the Eligibility Meeting so they can review findings before discussing decisions.
Q: Can parents waive the 10-day advance report window?
Parents may choose to waive the 10-day review period in writing if they wish to hold the meeting sooner, but the district cannot mandate or pressure a waiver.
Q: What happens if the 90-day deadline is approaching?
The 90-day window is a strict statutory timeline. Case managers monitor all pending reports weekly to ensure testing and meetings are finalized within the legal window.
Key CST Terminology
CST: Child Study Team
Multidisciplinary team (Psychologist, LDTC, Social Worker) responsible for evaluating and identifying students.
Case Manager:
CST member who coordinates evaluations, monitors the 90-day timeline, and serves as primary parent liaison.
ID Meeting: Identification Meeting
Initial 20-day review after referral where CST and parents determine whether formal evaluations are warranted.
PRISE / Safeguards:
Procedural Rights in Special Education handbook provided to parents at every formal decision point.
CST Roles & Responsibilities
Case Manager
90-Day Timeline, Notices, IEP Facilitator
CST Office
Ext. 110
School Psychologist
Cognitive, Social/Emotional, Behavioral Evals
Room 112
Ext. 118
LDTC / Educational Diagnostician
Standardized Academic Achievement Evals
Room 114
Ext. 116
School Social Worker
Social Developmental Assessment & History
Room 104
Ext. 120
Compliance Rule 90-Day Timeline Mandate: All assessments, 10-day report distributions, and eligibility meetings must conclude within 90 days of consent.
CST Compliance Doc • Rev. 2026/27
