4.01.1 If a child is suspected of having a disability which adversely affects educational performance and who by reason thereof, needs special education and related services, a referral may be made at any time to the local educational agency by -

4.01.1.1 The child's teacher;

4.01.1.2 Other educational personnel;

4.01.1.3 The child's parent(s);

4.01.1.4 The child; or

4.01.1.5 Other individuals with relevant knowledge of the child.

4.01.2 A referral is to be made in writing through the completion of the required Referral Form and provided to the principal or designee of the school in which the child is enrolled. Where the referral originates from a parent, an individual not associated with the school, or other agency personnel, an employee of the local educational agency where the child is enrolled must complete the Referral Form and forward it to the principal or designee of the school.

4.01.3 Informal data collection conducted pursuant to § 4.02 of this part must be completed prior to any referral conference.

4.01.4 Where appropriate, a child's parent(s) must be informed of the referral and shall be offered an explanation of its purpose.