An educational diagnostician wants to identify and evaluate students with disabilities who are homeschooled or attend private schools within the community. Which action would most effectively address this goal?

• A. Collaborating with public schools to track all private enrollments
• B. Providing community outreach services to parents/guardians by hosting information sessions regarding state educational policies
• C. Limiting screenings to students in public schools only
• D. Delaying outreach until a parent requests an evaluation

Answer: (B)

Proactive outreach to families is essential for locating students with disabilities who are not in public schools. By hosting information sessions about state educational policies and the evaluation process, the educational diagnostician helps parents understand how to initiate assessments and what services might be available. This aligns with the obligation to locate and identify all children with disabilities in the community, including those who are homeschooled or attend private schools, so they can receive appropriate evaluations and supports. Relying on public schools alone or waiting for a parent to request an evaluation misses students who aren’t connected to the public system and delays needed services.