If you suspect that your child may have a disability or learning difficulty that requires special education services, you have the right to request an evaluation from your child’s school. Here’s how to initiate the process:
- Contact the School: Contact your child’s teacher, counselor, or special education coordinator to express your concerns and request an evaluation. Make your request in writing to ensure clarity and documentation.
- Ask your child’s teacher to place them in RTI, Response to Intervention, or Tier Two. In some states, RTI is required before special education.
- Provide Information: Share any relevant information about your child’s academic performance, behavior, and developmental history. Include documentation of previous assessments, medical diagnoses, or interventions they have received.
- Request in Writing: Write a formal letter to the school district’s special education department requesting an evaluation for your child. Include your child’s name, date of birth, school, and a brief description of your concerns regarding their educational needs.
- Attend Meetings: Once your request is received, the school will schedule a meeting with you to discuss the evaluation process, obtain consent for testing, and gather additional information about your child’s strengths and challenges.
- Participate in the Evaluation: Your child will undergo a series of assessments conducted by qualified professionals, such as psychologists, special education teachers, speech therapists, or occupational therapists. You may be asked to provide consent for specific assessments or interventions.
- After completing the assessments, the evaluation team will compile a comprehensive report summarizing their findings and recommendations. Ask for the reports to be either emailed to you or you pick them up from school. Do not allow them to mail them as they will probably not arrive in time for the meeting. Review the report carefully and participate in developing your child’s IEP based on the evaluation results.
- If you do not understand the reports, try Googling the topics that are confusing. The Internet contains a wealth of knowledge from reputable sources.
Advocate for Your Child: Be active in the special education process, advocating for your child’s needs and ensuring that the services outlined in their IEP are implemented effectively. Collaborate with school staff to monitor your child’s progress and adjust their educational plan as needed.