{"id":9019,"date":"2026-08-10T21:09:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T21:09:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/?page_id=9019"},"modified":"2026-08-11T20:41:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T20:41:04","slug":"special-services-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/departments\/special-services\/special-services-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/3.files.edl.io\/ff41\/25\/09\/10\/145225-2c698798-64d5-4f8e-901b-6b75ecc8a1e5.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/departments\/special-services\/special-services-faq\/#What_is_the_Child_Study_Team_CST\" >What is the Child Study Team (CST)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/departments\/special-services\/special-services-faq\/#What_if_I_think_my_child_needs_extra_support\" >What if I think my child needs extra support?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/departments\/special-services\/special-services-faq\/#Franklin_Township_School_District\" >Franklin Township School District<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/departments\/special-services\/special-services-faq\/#What_happens_after_I_submit_a_request\" >What happens after I submit a request?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/departments\/special-services\/special-services-faq\/#What_is_the_Initial_Planning_Meeting\" >What is the Initial Planning Meeting?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/departments\/special-services\/special-services-faq\/#What_does_the_Evaluation_Process_involve\" >What does the Evaluation Process involve?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/departments\/special-services\/special-services-faq\/#What_services_are_available_for_preschool_children\" >What services are available for preschool children?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/departments\/special-services\/special-services-faq\/#What_is_my_role_as_a_parentguardian\" >What is my role as a parent\/guardian?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Child_Study_Team_CST\"><\/span>What is the Child Study Team (CST)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Child Study Team (CST) is a group of school professionals who work together to understand and support students who may need special education services. A typical CST includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A school psychologist<\/li>\n<li>A learning disabilities teacher-consultant<\/li>\n<li>A school social worker<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>They are here to help identify a child&#8217;s strengths, needs, and the best ways to support learning.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_if_I_think_my_child_needs_extra_support\"><\/span>What if I think my child needs extra support?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;re worried about your child&#8217;s progress in school, the first step is to talk with your child&#8217;s teacher. Teachers can share observations and suggest next steps. Sometimes this may include support through the school&#8217;s <strong>Intervention &amp; Referral Services (I&amp;RS) Team<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If you believe your child may need more formal testing, you can request:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>A Speech Articulation Evaluation<\/strong> &#8211; if your concern is only about how your child pronounces sounds.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A Child Study Team Evaluation<\/strong> &#8211; if you&#8217;re concerned about broader areas such as speech, language, learning, or behavior.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To request an evaluation, please write a letter that includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your name and contact information<\/li>\n<li>Your child&#8217;s name and birthdate<\/li>\n<li>The type of evaluation you are requesting<\/li>\n<li>A short summary of your concerns (if possible)<\/li>\n<li>Your original handwritten signature<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Send your letter to the <strong>Office of Special Services<\/strong> by giving it to a school staff member or mailing it to:<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Franklin_Township_School_District\"><\/span>Franklin Township School District<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Office of Special Services<br \/>226 Quakertown Road<br \/>Quakertown, NJ 08868<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_after_I_submit_a_request\"><\/span>What happens after I submit a request?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>After your request is received, a CST member or speech therapist will contact you. Within <strong>20 calendar days<\/strong>, you will be invited to an <strong>Initial Planning Meeting<\/strong> to talk about your concerns and decide together whether evaluations are needed.<\/p>\n<p>Please note: Evaluations cannot begin without your written permission.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Initial_Planning_Meeting\"><\/span>What is the Initial Planning Meeting?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Initial Planning Meeting includes you, your child&#8217;s CST, and sometimes your child&#8217;s teacher. The goal is to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Share your concerns and your child&#8217;s background<\/li>\n<li>Give the team a chance to get to know your child&#8217;s needs<\/li>\n<li>Decide whether evaluations should take place<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If evaluations are recommended, you will be asked to sign a consent form. You may give your consent at the meeting, or take time to review before deciding.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_the_Evaluation_Process_involve\"><\/span>What does the Evaluation Process involve?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If evaluations move forward, the CST has <strong>90 days<\/strong> to complete them and hold an <strong>Eligibility Meeting<\/strong>. Evaluations may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A psychological evaluation (school psychologist)<\/li>\n<li>A learning strengths and needs evaluation (learning consultant)<\/li>\n<li>A speech and language evaluation (speech pathologist)<\/li>\n<li>A social history interview with you (school social worker)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You&#8217;ll receive copies of all reports before the Eligibility Meeting. At the meeting, the team will review results with you and determine if your child qualifies for special education services.<\/p>\n<p>If your child is eligible, an <strong>Individualized Education Program (IEP)<\/strong> will be created. Services can only begin once you give written consent.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_services_are_available_for_preschool_children\"><\/span>What services are available for preschool children?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If your preschool child qualifies for services, options may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Participation in integrated community programs<\/li>\n<li>Placement in a specialized preschool class<\/li>\n<li>Related services such as speech, occupational, or physical therapy<\/li>\n<li>Extended school year services, if needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Supports are always tailored to your child&#8217;s individual needs.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_my_role_as_a_parentguardian\"><\/span>What is my role as a parent\/guardian?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You know your child best! Your insight is essential in helping the CST understand your child&#8217;s social, emotional, language, and learning development. By sharing your observations and concerns, you help the team create the most complete picture of your child.<\/p>\n<p>If your child qualifies for services, you&#8217;ll also need to <strong>register them with the school district<\/strong> before services begin. Registration requires:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Child&#8217;s birth certificate<\/li>\n<li>Immunization records<\/li>\n<li>Two (2) proofs of residency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>(If you have questions about residency documents, please contact the School Secretary, Margret Thompson)<\/p>\n<p>Being an active partner in this process ensures your child gets the support they need to grow and thrive.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/3.files.edl.io\/c274\/25\/08\/13\/150536-100c15b1-3519-4100-928d-64207cd73f24.jpg\" alt=\"MargretThompson&apos;s Profile Photo\"><\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"\/apps\/pages\/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2917412&amp;type=u\"><br \/>\n\tMargret Thompson<br \/>\n <\/a><br \/>\n School Secretary<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"mailto:secretary@ftschool.org\">secretary@ftschool.org<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is the Child Study Team (CST)? The Child Study Team (CST) is a group of school professionals who work together to understand and support students who may need special education services. A typical CST includes: A school psychologist A learning disabilities teacher-consultant A school social worker They are here to help identify a child&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":9000,"menu_order":28,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9019","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9019"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9186,"href":"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9019\/revisions\/9186"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9000"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ftsmockup.colincecil.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}