A ninth-grade student with complex medical needs and multiple disabilities will enroll in the district in three months. Which action should the educational diagnostician take first to begin preparing for the enrollment?

• A. Scheduling a home visit during summer
• B. Reviewing the student's current IEP
• C. Contacting the student's physician to obtain medical records directly
• D. Arranging a transition meeting with current providers

Answer: (B)

Understanding where the student stands currently is essential for planning a smooth enrollment. Reviewing the current IEP provides a complete snapshot of present levels, ongoing services, accommodations, and any health-related supports that the district will need to continue or adapt in the new setting. This baseline helps you identify exactly what must be carried over, what may need updating, and what additional evaluations or information are required before the student starts in three months. It also clarifies goals and conditions that influence scheduling, transportation, assistive technology, and related services, ensuring that planning aligns with the family’s expectations and medical needs.

Other steps can be important parts of the process, but they depend on knowing the current plan. For example, coordinating medical information or arranging a transition meeting should flow from the established needs and services in the IEP, and a home visit is useful for gathering contextual details, but only after you have a clear picture of the student’s existing supports. Starting with the IEP ensures you target the right information and actions first, facilitating a coordinated and timely enrollment plan.