The Child Outcome Summary process is a team process for summarizing information related to a student’s progress on each of the following three child outcome areas:
. This information is collected to determine the benefit experienced as a result of Special Education Services. The COSF is NOT an assessment, but uses the information from assessment tools and observations to get a global sense of how a student is performing at one point in time. Ratings on each outcome area are a snapshot of the whole child and the child’s current functioning across settings and situations.
Entry COS
An Entry Child Outcomes Summary (COS) must be completed for any child determined eligible under IDEA who is expected to receive at least six (6) months of special education services prior to entering Kindergarten or their sixth (6th) birthday.
The Entry COS should be completed at the time of the initial eligibility determination whenever possible. In accordance with state guidance, the Entry COS must be completed no later than 15 business days following the eligibility determination or within 30 calendar days of transfer into the LEA, if applicable.
Completing the Entry COS
The goal is for every child served at least six months prior to entering Kindergarten or their 6th birthday, to have one unique Entry COS and one unique Exit COS during their early childhood special education experience.
- For students newly evaluated and found eligible, the evaluation team will complete the Entry COS.
- For students transferring into Greenville County Schools (GCS), the original district's Entry COS remains the official Entry COS. The case manager will review available records and recreate the Entry COS using the COS from the previous district.
- If COS data are unavailable from the sending district, the receiving district must complete an Entry COS within 30 days of enrollment and request assessment information from the previous district.
- The receiving district assumes responsibility for completing the Exit COS when required.
Exit COS
An Exit Child Outcomes Summary (COS) is required only for students who have received special education services for a cumulative total of at least six (6) months of special education services prior to entering Kindergarten or their sixth (6th) birthday.
Situations Requiring an Exit COS
An Exit COS must be completed when:
- The child exits all special education services because they are no longer eligible;
- The child withdraws or transfers out of district;
- The child is deceased;
- The child is within three weeks of the end of the school year prior to kindergarten entry;
- The child is within three weeks of their 6th birthday and still served in a Preschool setting.
Situations Not Requiring an Exit COS
An Exit COS is not required when:
- The child has received fewer than six (6) months of cumulative service;
- The child remains eligible and continues receiving services beyond the reporting period.
- For students receiving fewer than six (6) months of cumulative service, an Exit COS should be completed with only the Exit Date; this documents the exit date. All other fields on the Exit COS should remain blank.
Process for Completing the COS
Entry COS Process
- Review all available evaluation data, assessments, observations, interviews, and developmental information.
- Determine the child's functioning in each of the three Child Outcomes areas:
- Positive social-emotional skills and relationships;
- Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills;
- Use of appropriate behaviors to meet needs.
- Complete the COS ratings using the state-approved decision-making process.
- Enter COS information into the district's IEP software system.
- Ensure completion within required state timelines.
Exit COS Process
- Gather current assessment data, progress monitoring information, observations, and service provider input.
- Complete the Exit COS within three weeks of the end of the school year prior to kindergarten entry, three weeks before the child's sixth birthday, or at the time of exit from services.
- Document the child's current functioning in each outcome area.
- Enter Exit COS ratings prior to withdrawal, exit from services, or aging out of preschool services.
The Progress Question should be answered "Yes" when the child's Exit COS rating is the same as or higher than the Entry COS rating and evidence demonstrates the child has made developmental progress while receiving services.
Verify that the student has received at least six (6) months of cumulative service before completing the Exit COS.
Special Circumstances
- If a student is already age five (5) and enrolled in kindergarten when found eligible for services, an Entry COS with the entry date and an Exit COS with an exit date matching the entry date should be completed. All other fields on the Entry and Exit COS should be blank.
- For transfer students, assessment information from the sending district that is current (within six months) may be incorporated into COS decision-making.
- District staff should request records promptly to ensure compliance with Entry and Exit COS timelines.
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