1. The sending school district contacts the Executive Director about placement.
2. If the child’s needs are an appropriate fit for St. Charles School, the Executive Director provides the Out of District Coordinator with a copy of our release form to get parental permission to exchange information, and a list of the documentation we will need to process the referral.
3. St. Charles will review all information and make a determination whether it is appropriate to continue the intake process.
4. A tour and interview will be set up with the parents so that parents can see the facility, freely ask questions, review the program, and determine whether they would like to continue the application process. The student does not take part in the initial interview.
   1. The initial interview has several purposes:
      1. St. Charles School wants to understand the child’s issues from the parents’ point of view.
      2. St. Charles School will ask questions to get a general idea of family history.
      3. St. Charles School wants parents to thoroughly understand our methods of responding to behavior.
      4. St. Charles School wants parents to recognize their obligations regarding their child and attendance at St. Charles School.
   2. If parents and the St. Charles team believe St. Charles School is a good match for their child, they will receive the admissions packet. We request the packet be completed and returned when the child comes in to visit the school.
5. The student’s visit to the school is scheduled. When possible we like to schedule this during the school day so that the student can meet the other students who are here. Parental schedules do not always allow a daytime visit to the school, in which case an evening time mutually agreeable to parent and Executive Director can be arranged.
6. Upon the review of all intake materials provided by the Out of District Coordinator and parents, St. Charles staff will make a final determination of acceptance of the student into our program and notify the Out of District Coordinator of our decision.
7. An IEP placement meeting will be scheduled. At that time the start date for the new student will be determined. It is the responsibility of the sending school district to arrange transportation to and from St. Charles School.

St. Charles School supports inclusion of and accommodations for students of all types of backgrounds. This includes:

• Students in major racial and ethnic groups: Students are provided with accommodations in a small group setting if needed, with short breaks between testing. An interpreter will be made available when appropriate. If students have difficulty with reading assessment, they will be provided with a reader, but no content or questions will be explained or answered.
• Students with disabilities: St. Charles School follows guidelines for the inclusion of and accommodations for student participation found in the IEP. When indicated, St. Charles School will make suggestions for accommodations based on our observation and outcomes working with the student.
• Economically disadvantaged students: Many students referred to St. Charles are from economically disadvantaged situations. No student is excluded from any activity based on the ability of the family to pay. St. Charles School provides accommodations based on a student’s individual need – economic situation has no bearing on our provision of accommodations.
• Students with limited English proficiency: Students with limited English proficiency will receive necessary accommodations. The NWEA has the ability to provide several different languages within the testing system that will be used depending on student’s first language proficiency. An interpreter will be provided if the student’s first language is not provided on the NWEA assessment system. Extra time or short breaks will be made available if needed.