Referral
Someone suspects a disability and makes a referral. A parent, teacher, or other concerned person may refer a student to the school.
Describe the concerns and keep a copy of any written referral.
Special Education Information
Unity School District, SAU 109
Special Education
Individual needs.
Meaningful opportunities.
Understanding the instruction and support that help eligible students access learning and make progress.
Learn about special educationSpecially designed instruction
At no cost to parents
Focused on individual needs
Understanding the basics
What is Special Education?
Special Education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.
Specially designed instruction adapts the content, teaching methods, or delivery of instruction to address the child’s disability-related needs and support access to the general education curriculum.
Understanding eligibility
Who is eligible for Special Education Services?
Eligibility for special education is determined based on the criteria for individual disability areas and the need for specialized instruction in order to access the general education curriculum.
The eligibility team, including the parent, reviews evaluation information to determine whether the child meets applicable disability criteria and, because of that disability, needs special education.
A diagnosis alone does not determine eligibility. Decisions are based on evaluation information and the child’s individual educational needs.
IDEA eligibility framework - New Hampshire special education rules
For Unity families
Questions about your child’s learning?
Contact Unity Elementary School and ask to speak with the principal or the staff member responsible for special education referrals.
Share your observations and ask about the evaluation process. Families do not need to have all the answers before starting a conversation.
Call Unity Elementary SchoolRelated family resource
Learn about Child Find.
Child Find explains how children who may need special education are identified and referred for evaluation. Ask the school how to begin a referral.
Parent Information Center of New Hampshire
Information reviewed October 19, 2026.
Unity School DistricT, SAU 109
The Special Education Process
A clear path from an initial concern to an individualized plan, appropriate services, and ongoing support.
Explore the seven stepsUnderstanding the basics
What is Special Education?
Special Education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.
Specially designed instruction adapts instructional content, teaching methods, or delivery to address the child’s disability-related needs and support access to the general education curriculum.
Understanding eligibility
Who is eligible for Special Education Services?
Eligibility for special education is determined based on the criteria for individual disability areas and the need for specialized instruction in order to access the general education curriculum.
The eligibility team, including the parent, reviews evaluation information to determine whether the student meets applicable disability criteria and, because of that disability, needs special education.
A diagnosis alone does not determine eligibility. Decisions are based on evaluation information and the student’s individual educational needs.
Seven stepS: New Hampshire timelines
The Special Education Process
Families participate throughout the process. Each timing label below identifies the event that starts its clock. Evaluation and eligibility share one initial evaluation deadline.
-
START WHEN A DISABILITY IS SUSPECTED -
WITHIN 15 BUSINESS DAYS OF REFERRAL Disposition of Referral
Does the student require an evaluation?
The team reviews the concerns and available information. Written notice of the team’s disposition of the referral is due within this period. [1]
If an evaluation is not proposed, the school explains the decision in writing and provides information about family rights.
-
INITIAL EVALUATION: 60 CALENDAR DAYS AFTER CONSENT Evaluations Conducted
After informed written parental consent is received, evaluations assess the student’s needs.
The initial evaluation process, including the eligibility determination in Step 4, must generally be completed within 60 calendar days after consent is received, subject to applicable exceptions. [1]
One shared deadline: Steps 3 and 4 use the same 60-day period. They do not receive separate 60-day periods. -
WITHIN THE SAME 60-DAY INITIAL EVALUATION PERIOD Determination of Eligibility
Does the student meet criteria for special education?
The team, including the parent, reviews evaluation results and determines whether the student meets applicable disability criteria and needs special education.
If the student is not eligible, the school provides written notice. The team may discuss other supports, and the family may ask about its options.
-
INITIAL IEP MEETING: WITHIN 30 CALENDAR DAYS OF ELIGIBILITY Develop and Review the IEP
The team develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) describing goals, services, supports, and how progress will be measured. [2]
Informed parental consent is required before special education services are provided for the first time.
New Hampshire generally provides 14 calendar days after written prior notice is sent for a parent’s consent response. The parent and district may mutually agree to an extension. [1]
-
BASED ON THE IEP, REVIEWED AT LEAST ANNUALLY Determination of Placement
A group that includes the parent determines the student’s educational placement based on the IEP and least restrictive environment requirements. [3]
Services are made available as soon as possible following development of the IEP, consistent with required consent. [2]
-
ONGOING , FOLLOW THE IEP’S REPORTING SCHEDULE Ongoing Monitoring
Staff measure progress toward IEP goals and provide reports according to the schedule stated in the IEP. [4]
The team reviews the IEP at least annually and revises it as needed to address progress, changing needs, and other relevant information. [5]
Ongoing Progress monitoring and reports according to the IEP.
At least annually IEP review and placement determination.
At least every 3 years Reevaluation, unless the parent and district agree it is unnecessary. [6]
Understanding the timeline: Business days exclude weekends and federal and state holidays. Calendar days include weekends and holidays. These deadlines begin at different points and should not be added together as one fixed timeline. Special transition requirements apply so eligible children moving from early intervention have an IEP in effect by age 3. [1]
For Unity families
Questions about the next step?
Contact Unity Elementary School and ask for the principal or the staff member responsible for special education referrals.
Ask the school to explain your child’s specific dates, the proposed next steps, and the procedural safeguards available to your family.
Call Unity Elementary SchoolLearn more
Timeline sources and family resources
- New Hampshire special education rules including Ed 1105, 1107 and Ed 1120.
- IDEA: Initial IEP development and implementation
- IDEA: Educational placements
- IDEA: IEP contents and progress reporting
- IDEA: IEP development, review, and revision
- IDEA: Reevaluations
Parent Information Center of New Hampshire
Information reviewed October 19, 2026. Contact the school for current local procedures.
Unity School District Special Education
Child Find
Every child deserves a place to grow.
Have a concern about your child’s learning or development? Child Find helps identify children who may need special education and related services.
Start a conversation →No diagnosis required to make a referral
No cost to families for district evaluation procedures
Families are partners throughout the process
Understanding Child Find
Finding needs.
Opening possibilities.
Child Find is an ongoing responsibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Public school districts must locate, identify, and evaluate children suspected of having a disability and needing special education and related services.
This responsibility includes children who are progressing from grade to grade. A child does not have to fail before a concern can be considered.
In New Hampshire, the school district’s Child Find process begins at age 2½ and applies to children younger than 22. Eligible children generally receive school special education services beginning at age 3, subject to eligibility and graduation requirements.
A referral starts a review. It does not automatically mean that a child has a disability or will receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Sources: IDEA Child Find requirements and New Hampshire special education rules.
Where to begin
Support at every stage.
Children do not need to be enrolled at Unity Elementary School for their families to ask about Child Find.
Birth – 2
For children under age 3, explore New Hampshire’s Family-Centered Early Supports and Services . Ask about transition planning as your child approaches preschool age.
Age 2½+
Contact Unity Elementary School about a preschool referral. Planning ahead helps eligible children have services in place by their third birthday.
Ages 3 – 21
Contact the school about concerns affecting learning or participation. Eligibility for school special education generally ends at age 22 or upon receipt of a regular high school diploma.
When to reach out
Small observations can start an important conversation.
You might notice ongoing difficulty in one or more areas. These examples are reasons to ask questions, not a diagnosis or an eligibility checklist.
- Speech and communication
- Reading, writing, and mathematics
- Social and emotional development
- Movement and coordination
- Hearing or vision
- Daily routines and independence
Families, educators, health care providers, and other concerned individuals may make a referral.
Child Find includes children experiencing homelessness, highly mobile children, and children attending private schools. Home-educated families may also request an evaluation. Private-school location can affect which district is responsible; contact Unity for help identifying the appropriate district.
A child does not have to fail first. Classroom interventions can support learning, but they cannot be used to delay or deny an evaluation when a disability is suspected. Read federal Child Find guidance.
What happens next
A clear path, taken together.
Share your concerns
Contact Unity Elementary School and ask for the principal or the staff member responsible for special education referrals.
Put your request in writing, describe your concerns, and keep a copy. Ask the school for assistance if you need help preparing a referral.
Review the referral
The IEP team, including the parent, reviews the concerns and available information.
Within 15 business days of the referral, the team must give the parent written notice of its disposition of the referral.
Evaluate and plan
If an initial evaluation is proposed, the school requests informed parental consent.
New Hampshire generally requires the initial evaluation process, including eligibility determination, to be completed within 60 calendar days after consent is received, subject to applicable exceptions.
If the child is eligible, the team develops an IEP to address individual needs. If an evaluation or eligibility is declined, families receive written notice explaining the decision and information about their rights.
Your participation matters. Share your observations, ask questions, and request explanations of evaluation results. Ask for procedural safeguards and any language or communication assistance needed to participate meaningfully.
Timeline source: New Hampshire rules Ed 1106 and Ed 1107 .
For Unity families
Let’s begin with a conversation.
Call Unity Elementary School and ask how to make a Child Find or special education referral.
The school can direct concerns about preschool children and older Unity students to the appropriate staff.
Sample referral wording
I am requesting a special education evaluation for my child because I am concerned about their learning or development. Please contact me to discuss my concerns, the referral process, and the next steps.
Common questions
You don’t need to have all the answers.
Do I need a medical diagnosis?
No. Explain what you are noticing and why you are concerned. The team considers whether an educational evaluation is needed. A medical diagnosis alone does not automatically establish special education eligibility.
Will a referral commit my child to services?
No. Referral, evaluation, eligibility, and services are separate steps. Informed parental consent is required for an initial evaluation and before the initial provision of special education services.
What does an evaluation cost?
District evaluation procedures recommended by the IEP team are not the parent’s financial responsibility.
What if my child is not enrolled at Unity Elementary?
You can still contact the school about Child Find. Explain your child’s age, residence, and current educational setting so staff can help identify the appropriate district and next steps.
What if I disagree with a decision?
Ask for the written decision and a copy of the procedural safeguards. These explain options such as mediation, state complaints, due process hearings, and independent educational evaluations when applicable.
Families can also contact the Parent Information Center of New Hampshire for information and support.
Learn more
Trusted resources.
- U.S. Department of Education: IDEA Child Find requirements
- New Hampshire special education rules including Ed 1102, Ed 1105, Ed 1106, and Ed 1107.
- NH Family-Centered Early Supports and Services
- Federal guidance on Child Find
- Parent Information Center of New Hampshire
- Unity Elementary School contact information
Information checked October 19, 2026. Contact the school for current local procedures.
Unity School District, SAU 109
Parental Rights
& Safeguards
Informed families.
Meaningful participation.
Understand your rights and your role in your child’s special education. Start with New Hampshire’s official procedural safeguards handbook.
Open the NH Safeguards HandbookPDF Opens in a new tab
NH Department of Education
Official New Hampshire resource
Special Education Procedural Safeguards Handbook
The handbook explains protections for parents and students in the special education process, including participation, consent, records, and ways to resolve disagreements.
Read parental rights and safeguardsPDF opens in a new tab.
Published by the New Hampshire Department of Education. Linked edition: December 2024.
Need a paper copy or help accessing the document? Contact Unity Elementary School.
Using this resource
Read. Ask.
Participate.
You are a member of your child’s IEP team. The handbook can help you prepare questions and understand the procedures involved in educational decisions.
Ask your child’s case manager or the school to explain any part of the safeguards that is unclear. You may request another copy and ask about language or communication assistance.
Additional family support
The Parent Information Center of New Hampshire offers information and resources for families navigating special education.
Unity families
We’re here to help you find the next step.
Contact Unity Elementary School and ask for your child’s case manager, the principal, or the staff member responsible for special education.
For questions about a specific notice or decision, keep a copy of the document and ask the school to explain the applicable procedures and dates.
Call Unity Elementary SchoolAdditional information
State rules and family resources
New Hampshire special education rules
Parent Information Center: Special education resources
Page prepared October 19, 2026. For official requirements, refer to the state handbook and applicable special education laws and rules.
-
Unity School District, SAU 109
Special Education
Individual needs.
Meaningful opportunities.Understanding the instruction and support that help eligible students access learning and make progress.
Learn about special educationSpecially designed instructionAt no cost to parentsFocused on individual needsUnderstanding the basicsWhat is Special Education?
Special Education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.
Specially designed instruction adapts the content, teaching methods, or delivery of instruction to address the child’s disability-related needs and support access to the general education curriculum.
Understanding eligibilityWho is eligible for Special Education Services?
Eligibility for special education is determined based on the criteria for individual disability areas and the need for specialized instruction in order to access the general education curriculum.
The eligibility team, including the parent, reviews evaluation information to determine whether the child meets applicable disability criteria and, because of that disability, needs special education.
A diagnosis alone does not determine eligibility. Decisions are based on evaluation information and the child’s individual educational needs.IDEA eligibility framework - New Hampshire special education rules
For Unity familiesQuestions about your child’s learning?
Contact Unity Elementary School and ask to speak with the principal or the staff member responsible for special education referrals.
Share your observations and ask about the evaluation process. Families do not need to have all the answers before starting a conversation.
Call Unity Elementary SchoolRelated family resourceLearn about Child Find.
Child Find explains how children who may need special education are identified and referred for evaluation. Ask the school how to begin a referral.
Parent Information Center of New Hampshire
Information reviewed October 19, 2026.
-
Unity School DistricT, SAU 109
The Special Education Process
A clear path from an initial concern to an individualized plan, appropriate services, and ongoing support.
Explore the seven stepsUnderstanding the basicsWhat is Special Education?
Special Education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.
Specially designed instruction adapts instructional content, teaching methods, or delivery to address the child’s disability-related needs and support access to the general education curriculum.
Understanding eligibilityWho is eligible for Special Education Services?
Eligibility for special education is determined based on the criteria for individual disability areas and the need for specialized instruction in order to access the general education curriculum.
The eligibility team, including the parent, reviews evaluation information to determine whether the student meets applicable disability criteria and, because of that disability, needs special education.
A diagnosis alone does not determine eligibility. Decisions are based on evaluation information and the student’s individual educational needs.Seven stepS: New Hampshire timelinesThe Special Education Process
Families participate throughout the process. Each timing label below identifies the event that starts its clock. Evaluation and eligibility share one initial evaluation deadline.
-
START WHEN A DISABILITY IS SUSPECTED Referral
Someone suspects a disability and makes a referral. A parent, teacher, or other concerned person may refer a student to the school.
Describe the concerns and keep a copy of any written referral.
-
WITHIN 15 BUSINESS DAYS OF REFERRAL Disposition of Referral
Does the student require an evaluation?
The team reviews the concerns and available information. Written notice of the team’s disposition of the referral is due within this period. [1]
If an evaluation is not proposed, the school explains the decision in writing and provides information about family rights.
-
INITIAL EVALUATION: 60 CALENDAR DAYS AFTER CONSENT Evaluations Conducted
After informed written parental consent is received, evaluations assess the student’s needs.
The initial evaluation process, including the eligibility determination in Step 4, must generally be completed within 60 calendar days after consent is received, subject to applicable exceptions. [1]
One shared deadline: Steps 3 and 4 use the same 60-day period. They do not receive separate 60-day periods. -
WITHIN THE SAME 60-DAY INITIAL EVALUATION PERIOD Determination of Eligibility
Does the student meet criteria for special education?
The team, including the parent, reviews evaluation results and determines whether the student meets applicable disability criteria and needs special education.
If the student is not eligible, the school provides written notice. The team may discuss other supports, and the family may ask about its options.
-
INITIAL IEP MEETING: WITHIN 30 CALENDAR DAYS OF ELIGIBILITY Develop and Review the IEP
The team develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) describing goals, services, supports, and how progress will be measured. [2]
Informed parental consent is required before special education services are provided for the first time.
New Hampshire generally provides 14 calendar days after written prior notice is sent for a parent’s consent response. The parent and district may mutually agree to an extension. [1]
-
BASED ON THE IEP, REVIEWED AT LEAST ANNUALLY Determination of Placement
A group that includes the parent determines the student’s educational placement based on the IEP and least restrictive environment requirements. [3]
Services are made available as soon as possible following development of the IEP, consistent with required consent. [2]
-
ONGOING , FOLLOW THE IEP’S REPORTING SCHEDULE Ongoing Monitoring
Staff measure progress toward IEP goals and provide reports according to the schedule stated in the IEP. [4]
The team reviews the IEP at least annually and revises it as needed to address progress, changing needs, and other relevant information. [5]
Ongoing Progress monitoring and reports according to the IEP.At least annually IEP review and placement determination.At least every 3 years Reevaluation, unless the parent and district agree it is unnecessary. [6]Understanding the timeline: Business days exclude weekends and federal and state holidays. Calendar days include weekends and holidays. These deadlines begin at different points and should not be added together as one fixed timeline. Special transition requirements apply so eligible children moving from early intervention have an IEP in effect by age 3. [1]For Unity familiesQuestions about the next step?
Contact Unity Elementary School and ask for the principal or the staff member responsible for special education referrals.
Ask the school to explain your child’s specific dates, the proposed next steps, and the procedural safeguards available to your family.
Call Unity Elementary SchoolLearn moreTimeline sources and family resources
- New Hampshire special education rules including Ed 1105, 1107 and Ed 1120.
- IDEA: Initial IEP development and implementation
- IDEA: Educational placements
- IDEA: IEP contents and progress reporting
- IDEA: IEP development, review, and revision
- IDEA: Reevaluations
Parent Information Center of New Hampshire
Information reviewed October 19, 2026. Contact the school for current local procedures.
-
-
Unity School District Special Education
Child Find
Every child deserves a place to grow.
Have a concern about your child’s learning or development? Child Find helps identify children who may need special education and related services.
Start a conversation →No diagnosis required to make a referralNo cost to families for district evaluation proceduresFamilies are partners throughout the processUnderstanding Child FindFinding needs.
Opening possibilities.Child Find is an ongoing responsibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Public school districts must locate, identify, and evaluate children suspected of having a disability and needing special education and related services.
This responsibility includes children who are progressing from grade to grade. A child does not have to fail before a concern can be considered.
In New Hampshire, the school district’s Child Find process begins at age 2½ and applies to children younger than 22. Eligible children generally receive school special education services beginning at age 3, subject to eligibility and graduation requirements.
A referral starts a review. It does not automatically mean that a child has a disability or will receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Sources: IDEA Child Find requirements and New Hampshire special education rules.
Where to beginSupport at every stage.
Children do not need to be enrolled at Unity Elementary School for their families to ask about Child Find.
Birth – 2For children under age 3, explore New Hampshire’s Family-Centered Early Supports and Services . Ask about transition planning as your child approaches preschool age.
Age 2½+Contact Unity Elementary School about a preschool referral. Planning ahead helps eligible children have services in place by their third birthday.
Ages 3 – 21Contact the school about concerns affecting learning or participation. Eligibility for school special education generally ends at age 22 or upon receipt of a regular high school diploma.
When to reach outSmall observations can start an important conversation.
You might notice ongoing difficulty in one or more areas. These examples are reasons to ask questions, not a diagnosis or an eligibility checklist.
- Speech and communication
- Reading, writing, and mathematics
- Social and emotional development
- Movement and coordination
- Hearing or vision
- Daily routines and independence
Families, educators, health care providers, and other concerned individuals may make a referral.
Child Find includes children experiencing homelessness, highly mobile children, and children attending private schools. Home-educated families may also request an evaluation. Private-school location can affect which district is responsible; contact Unity for help identifying the appropriate district.
A child does not have to fail first. Classroom interventions can support learning, but they cannot be used to delay or deny an evaluation when a disability is suspected. Read federal Child Find guidance.What happens nextA clear path, taken together.
Share your concerns
Contact Unity Elementary School and ask for the principal or the staff member responsible for special education referrals.
Put your request in writing, describe your concerns, and keep a copy. Ask the school for assistance if you need help preparing a referral.
Review the referral
The IEP team, including the parent, reviews the concerns and available information.
Within 15 business days of the referral, the team must give the parent written notice of its disposition of the referral.
Evaluate and plan
If an initial evaluation is proposed, the school requests informed parental consent.
New Hampshire generally requires the initial evaluation process, including eligibility determination, to be completed within 60 calendar days after consent is received, subject to applicable exceptions.
If the child is eligible, the team develops an IEP to address individual needs. If an evaluation or eligibility is declined, families receive written notice explaining the decision and information about their rights.
Your participation matters. Share your observations, ask questions, and request explanations of evaluation results. Ask for procedural safeguards and any language or communication assistance needed to participate meaningfully.Timeline source: New Hampshire rules Ed 1106 and Ed 1107 .
For Unity familiesLet’s begin with a conversation.
Call Unity Elementary School and ask how to make a Child Find or special education referral.
The school can direct concerns about preschool children and older Unity students to the appropriate staff.
Sample referral wording
I am requesting a special education evaluation for my child because I am concerned about their learning or development. Please contact me to discuss my concerns, the referral process, and the next steps.
Common questionsYou don’t need to have all the answers.
Do I need a medical diagnosis?
No. Explain what you are noticing and why you are concerned. The team considers whether an educational evaluation is needed. A medical diagnosis alone does not automatically establish special education eligibility.
Will a referral commit my child to services?
No. Referral, evaluation, eligibility, and services are separate steps. Informed parental consent is required for an initial evaluation and before the initial provision of special education services.
What does an evaluation cost?
District evaluation procedures recommended by the IEP team are not the parent’s financial responsibility.
What if my child is not enrolled at Unity Elementary?
You can still contact the school about Child Find. Explain your child’s age, residence, and current educational setting so staff can help identify the appropriate district and next steps.
What if I disagree with a decision?
Ask for the written decision and a copy of the procedural safeguards. These explain options such as mediation, state complaints, due process hearings, and independent educational evaluations when applicable.
Families can also contact the Parent Information Center of New Hampshire for information and support.
Learn moreTrusted resources.
- U.S. Department of Education: IDEA Child Find requirements
- New Hampshire special education rules including Ed 1102, Ed 1105, Ed 1106, and Ed 1107.
- NH Family-Centered Early Supports and Services
- Federal guidance on Child Find
- Parent Information Center of New Hampshire
- Unity Elementary School contact information
Information checked October 19, 2026. Contact the school for current local procedures.
-
Unity School District, SAU 109
Parental Rights
& SafeguardsInformed families.
Meaningful participation.Understand your rights and your role in your child’s special education. Start with New Hampshire’s official procedural safeguards handbook.
Open the NH Safeguards HandbookPDF Opens in a new tab
NH Department of Education
Official New Hampshire resourceSpecial Education Procedural Safeguards Handbook
The handbook explains protections for parents and students in the special education process, including participation, consent, records, and ways to resolve disagreements.
Read parental rights and safeguardsPDF opens in a new tab.
Published by the New Hampshire Department of Education. Linked edition: December 2024.
Need a paper copy or help accessing the document? Contact Unity Elementary School.
Using this resourceRead. Ask.
Participate.You are a member of your child’s IEP team. The handbook can help you prepare questions and understand the procedures involved in educational decisions.
Ask your child’s case manager or the school to explain any part of the safeguards that is unclear. You may request another copy and ask about language or communication assistance.
Additional family supportThe Parent Information Center of New Hampshire offers information and resources for families navigating special education.
Unity familiesWe’re here to help you find the next step.
Contact Unity Elementary School and ask for your child’s case manager, the principal, or the staff member responsible for special education.
For questions about a specific notice or decision, keep a copy of the document and ask the school to explain the applicable procedures and dates.
Call Unity Elementary SchoolAdditional informationState rules and family resources
New Hampshire special education rules
Parent Information Center: Special education resources
Page prepared October 19, 2026. For official requirements, refer to the state handbook and applicable special education laws and rules.