basic progression of events from the student being identified as needing special education to the student receiving special education.

There's very little time lapse.

The student is identified as needing special ed after being evaluated by professionals such as speech therapist, psychologist, and social worker. Their reports are submitted to the educational planning commmittee made up of the professionals plus the parents, school administration, special ed teacher, and regular teacher(s).

If the student is found to qualify for special ed services, the committee then plans his/her educational program. At that point the child is provided the program recommended by the committee.