4.04.1 If a child is referred to the local educational agency pursuant to § 4.01, a referral conference must be held for the purpose of reviewing all existing information related to the child and to determine the actions to be taken.

4.04.2 The referral conference must be attended by at least three (3) persons, including the principal or a designee and one teacher directly involved in the education of the child. The conference may also be attended by the child, if appropriate, and by other individuals at the discretion of the parents or agency.

4.04.3 Decisions made at the referral conference must be recorded on the required Referral Conference Decision Form and signed by the principal or a designee. The Referral Conference Decision Form shall also include the names of the participants of the conference.

4.04.4 Options for referral conference outcomes include -

4.04.4.1 A decision to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the child consistent with the eligibility criteria set out in § 6.00 of these regulations;

4.04.4.2 A decision to conduct a specialized evaluation of the child consistent with the eligibility criteria set out in § 6.00 of these regulations; or

4.04.4.3 A decision not to conduct an evaluation of the child.

4.04.5 Subsequent to the conclusion of the referral conference, the local educational agency must provide the parent written notice of the decision reached at the referral conference, consistent with § 9.04 of these regulations. If the parent was not present at the referral conference, notice must be given to the parent within seven (7) calendar days after the referral conference by -

4.04.5.1 Registered mail;

4.04.5.2 Certified mail; or

4.04.5.3 First class mail.

4.04.6 If the local educational agency has reason to believe that the parent may require assistance in understanding the decision reached at the referral conference, a representative of the local educational agency must contact the parent by telephone or initiate a home visit to explain the decision.