Posted on September 23, 2025
Co-Authored by:
Brian Andrews
Global Head of Public Policy
Audible
Anthony DeNunzio
Manager, Global Content Rights Audible
Tera Lynn Rule
Corporate Counsel
Amazon Health Services
For more information on this topic, contact Nina Peckman at npeckman@acnj.org.
School Districts in New Jersey are mandated by law to provide services referred to as Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) to any student who is struggling either academically or behaviorally in school. Students do not need to have a formal diagnosis, such as from a medical provider, to gain access to the services. However, schools cannot make a student try these services first or wait to be tested for special education if someone thinks the student might have a disability.
The goal of I&RS is to utilize school and community resources to address barriers to student success and learning before a formal special education evaluation is needed. The specific I&RS procedures and services offered can differ across New Jersey School Districts based on their student population and resources available.
Generally, Intervention and Referral Services may include:
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- Identifying student learning, behavior, and health difficulties;
- Collecting and analyzing information on the identified difficulties;
- Developing and implementing action plans to address the difficulties;
- Coordinating the services of school staff and community resources;
- Actively involving parents or guardians in the development and implementation of intervention and referral services action plans;
- Providing support, guidance, and professional development for teachers;
- Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the interventions; and/or
- Referrals to the child study team for evaluation and determination of eligibility for special education services, if necessary.
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Here are the recommended steps parents should take to request Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS):
1. Document Everything
- Keep a written record of your child's struggles
- Save emails, test scores, and teacher communications
- Note dates when you request help or services
- Keep copies of any letters or forms you submit
2. Make Formal Requests in Writing
- Send a dated letter or email requesting I&RS services
- If you suspect a disability, specifically request a Child Study Team evaluation
- Keep copies of all requests
- Send communications via certified mail or email for proof of receipt
3. Know Your Rights
- You can request I&RS services AND a special education child study team evaluation at the same time
- Schools must respond to evaluation requests by scheduling a child study team meeting within 20 calendar days
- You don't have to "try" I&RS before requesting an evaluation
4. Follow Up
- If you don't receive a response, send a follow-up letter
- Keep track of response deadlines
- Document any delays or refusals
5. Attend All Meetings
- Take notes during meetings
- Bring an advocate if needed
- Request written copies of all decisions and plans
- Don't sign anything you disagree with
6. Seek Support If Needed / When to Contact an Attorney
- Contact the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN)
- Consult with a special education advocate
- Consider legal counsel if the school does not respond to your request for I&RS service or refuses to comply
- File a complaint with the New Jersey (NJ) Department of Education if necessary
Additional Resources:
Relevant Laws, Regulations, and Resources:
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8,
NJDOE website
State Law:
https://www.nj.gov/njded/code/current/title6a/chap16.pdf
New Jersey Department of Education Resources:
https://www.nj.gov/education/njtss/resources/irs/
Resource Manual for Intervention and Referral Services(I&RS):
https://www.nj.gov/education/njtss/resources/irs/manual/index.shtml
