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ECSE Assessment Process

Once SSFUSD receives your written consent to assess your child, our team will begin a comprehensive evaluation to better understand your child's strengths and needs. This page explains what you can expect at each stage of the process.

Assessment Timeline

In California, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting must be held within 60 calendar days of the district receiving your written consent for assessment (school breaks longer than five school days do not count toward this timeline).

Important exception: If your child is transitioning from early intervention services through the Golden Gate Regional Center, the IEP meeting must be held and an offer of services made by your child's third birthday. In these cases, the third birthday deadline takes priority over the 60-day timeline.

What Happens at the IEP Meeting?

After the assessment is complete, you and a team of educators, assessment professionals, and others who know your child will meet to review the results. This is called an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. Together, the team will:

  • Review and explain all assessment findings
  • Discuss your child's strengths and areas of need
  • Determine whether your child meets eligibility criteria under one of the qualifying disability categories defined by California and federal law (IDEA)
  • Consider whether the identified disability affects your child's ability to access and participate in early childhood learning without specialized instruction

Please note: Eligibility is a two-part decision. To qualify, a child must both meet criteria under a qualifying disability category and require special education services in order to benefit from their educational program.

If Your Child Is Found Eligible

If the team determines your child is eligible for special education, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed during that same meeting. The team will work with you to:

  • Identify the area(s) of special education eligibility
  • Document your child's strengths and areas of need
  • Develop measurable annual goals
  • Determine the specialized instruction and/or related services your child needs to meet those goals
  • Identify the educational setting and how services will be provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
  • Establish how progress will be measured and reported to your family

Services may include specialized academic instruction, speech-language services, occupational therapy, behavioral supports, and other related services as appropriate. The schedule and duration of services are determined individually for each child.

Services may begin once all required enrollment documents have been received, your child has turned 3, and you have provided written consent to implement the IEP.

If Your Child Is Not Found Eligible

If the team determines your child does not qualify for special education, you will receive a written summary of the evaluation results and the eligibility decision. The team will also discuss general education supports, community resources, and strategies to support your child's continued growth and development.

If you disagree with the results, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) or to discuss your concerns directly with the district.

We Value Your Partnership!

You are an essential member of your child's IEP team. Your knowledge of your child — their personality, their strengths, their challenges, and their dreams — is irreplaceable, and it guides every decision we make together. Our goal is always to work collaboratively with families to ensure each child receives the support they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

If you have questions at any point in this process, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here for you.

Margaret Lee
ECSE Coordinator
South San Francisco Unified School District
Email: mlee@ssfusd.org
Tel.: (650) 827-8478