ESCE Referral Process
If you have concerns about your young child's development, SSFUSD is here to help you understand your options and take the next steps. The referral process is how families begin the journey toward finding out whether their child may be eligible for special education services.
Child Find
Under California law (Education Code Section 56300), all school districts are required to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities — regardless of the nature or severity of their needs. This is known as Child Find.
A child may be eligible for special education services when assessment results show that the degree of their disability requires specialized instruction, affects their ability to access their education, and cannot be adequately addressed without special education and related services.
Special education eligibility may be determined under the following categories: autism, deafness, hearing impairment, visual impairment, deaf / blind, speech or language impairment, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, cognitive impairment, multiple disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and established medical disability.
How to Request an Assessment
For children under 3 years old:
Early intervention services for children under age 3 are provided through the Golden Gate Regional Center, not through the school district. To get started, please contact:
Golden Gate Regional Center Intake Line: 1-888-339-3305 (available in English, Spanish, and Cantonese) Email: intake@ggrc.org
For children ages 3–5:
If you have concerns about your child's development and would like to begin the evaluation process, please complete the ECSE Referral Packet online.
Please note: When SSFUSD schools are on summer break, special education assessments and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings may be on hold. Services and assessments will resume when school returns in the fall.