Advocating for your child’s educational needs is essential, especially if you suspect your child may have a disability that requires specialized support. One of the first steps in this process is obtaining an evaluation to determine if your child qualifies for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. While this may seem overwhelming, understanding the steps and potential costs involved can help you feel more confident and prepared.
What is an Evaluation?
An evaluation is a series of assessments designed to determine whether your child has a disability and what special education services or accommodations they may need. The evaluation typically covers:
Cognitive skills
Academic performance
Social and emotional development
Physical abilities (if relevant)
Communication skills
The evaluation must be comprehensive and address all areas related to the suspected disability.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Evaluation
Request an Evaluation in Writing
If you suspect your child has a disability, submit a written request to the school for an evaluation. Be sure to include specific concerns, such as academic struggles or behavior issues. Schools are legally required to respond to your request.
School’s Response
After you submit your request, the school usually has about 15 days (depending on your state) to respond. They may agree to conduct the evaluation or deny the request if they do not believe it's necessary. If the school denies your request, they must provide a written explanation, and you have the right to challenge their decision by filing a due process complaint.
Parent Consent
If the school agrees to evaluate your child, they must obtain your written consent before proceeding. This is a legal requirement, and the evaluation cannot begin without it.
Evaluation Process
A team of professionals, such as school psychologists, special education teachers, and speech or occupational therapists, will conduct the evaluation. Once you provide consent, the school typically has 60 days to complete the evaluation.
Results and Eligibility
After the evaluation is complete, the results will be reviewed by a team that includes you as the parent. If the team determines that your child has a disability and that it impacts their education, they may qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under IDEA or a 504 Plan.
How Much Does It Cost?
The good news is that school evaluations are free. Public schools are required by federal law to provide evaluations at no cost if your child is suspected of having a disability. If you disagree with the school’s evaluation or feel it wasn’t thorough enough, you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). This is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by the school. The school must either agree to cover the cost of the IEE or file a due process complaint to show that their evaluation was appropriate. If the school agrees or loses their due process complaint, they are required to pay for the IEE.
Things to Keep in Mind
Timelines Matter: Schools must follow specific timelines throughout the evaluation process. Stay informed and keep track of deadlines to ensure the process moves forward as it should.
No Waiting Period: If the school suggests delaying the evaluation, know that there is no legal requirement to wait. You can request an evaluation at any time if you have concerns.
Private Evaluations: If you prefer to seek an evaluation outside of the school system, you can pursue a private evaluation. Costs for private evaluations vary based on the provider and location. However, schools generally won’t cover these unless it’s an IEE requested after a disagreement. In some cases, insurance may help cover the costs.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining an evaluation for your child is a crucial step in ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive in school. While the process may seem complicated, schools are required to guide you through it, and in most cases, the evaluation is free. If you ever feel uncertain or disagree with the school’s decision, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or consult an attorney.
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