#935 Self-Contained Referral Process

Please use the following checklist to assist in completing the referral.

• Notify your Special Education Administrator of behavioral concerns.
  The principal is aware, involved, and supportive of the potential referral.

• Complete the Proof of Interventions Checklist. (6-8 weeks)
• If the IEP team and SpEd Administrator determine a referral to the #935 Self-Contained Program is appropriate, the case manager initiates the referral process.
• Notify parents of concerns & intent to submit a referral, prior to submission
•  Complete the #935 Self-Contained Program Application and gather all supporting documentation

• Submit the application, supporting documentation, and current data via email to
  Ali Braukmann, Director of Special Education, at [email protected].

The above steps must be completed in order for the team to review the referral.
Communication regarding the referral will be made within one week.
There may be further questions of acceptance/denial.

Who can refer students?
Any special education instructor or administrator can call the Director of Special Education or their district’s assigned Special Education Administrator to discuss the appropriateness of this level of programming for the IEP student. The present case manager is responsible for filling out the Proof of Interventions Checklist; and if appropriate, the Self-Contained Program Application and necessary documentation.

How do I know when these services should be considered? 
These services should be considered when a student with special needs cannot reach the goals and objectives of the IEP due to significant behavioral/emotional concerns. The current IEP must have goals that relate to the presenting concerns. Before admission, documentation of previous interventions/strategies/ services in the existing setting must be in place. Typically, a student would receive services in at least a federal setting 3 environment at their home school for 6-8 weeks.

Which students are eligible for the #935 Self-Contained program?
-Must meet eligibility in one of the following educational categories: Emotional Behavioral Disorder (EBD) or Other Health Disabilities (OHD).
-Need the intensity level of day treatment as identified in the student’s diagnostic assessment (DA). 
See DA information below. 
-Must have the capacity to understand and benefit from the rehabilitative nature, structured setting and therapeutic components of the program’s psychotherapy and skills activities.
-Must be a resident or open-enrolled to a member district of #935 
(Ashby, Battle Lake, Breckenridge, Campbell-Tintah, Pelican Rapids, Rothsay, or Underwood).

What happens after referral to the #935 Self-Contained program?
The #935 team will meet to review the referral documentation and determine the appropriateness of programming. If the #935 Self-Contained program is necessary to meet the goals and objectives, an IEP meeting will occur with the referring district and #935 staff. An amended IEP will be proposed to reflect the service intensity of the #935 Self-Contained program. A Prior Written Notice will be provided for the change of placement.  Solutions Behavioral Health staff will review the current diagnostic assessment (DA) or conduct a new DA if needed. 

What is a diagnostic assessment? 
This is an outside assessment that must be completed by a certified mental health specialist. Ask parents to sign a Release of Information to Solutions Behavioral Health so the diagnosis can be shared with school staff.