The referrals step involves?

• A. Calling parents to inform them their child was referred and requesting permission to dig deeper.
• B. Immediately starting diagnostic testing with the child.
• C. Waiting for a teacher's note before acting.
• D. Only documenting without contacting parents.

Answer: (A)

The referrals step is about engaging the family right at the start by letting parents know their child has been referred and asking for permission to proceed with a deeper investigation. This step is essential because it upholds ethical and legal standards (informed consent and privacy), brings the family's insights and history into the process, and sets expectations for what will happen next. By contacting parents and obtaining consent, you can gather important background information, arrange appropriate evaluations, and involve them as partners in the assessment. Jumping straight into diagnostic testing without consent, waiting passively for a teacher note, or documenting without any parental communication all fail to establish consent, collaboration, or a clear plan, which are necessary for a respectful and effective referral process.