Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Long, Ph.D. — Director of Special Education, 32 years in public schools.
Make the request directly and in writing to your child's case manager or the special education coordinator, with specific examples of the behavior, where/when it happens, and why it's affecting access. Use clear request language ("I am requesting a Functional Behavioral Assessment for [child] due to [behaviors]. Please let me know the timeline and what consent I need to provide."). Expect a consent form next; ask for a timeline. If denied, the school must provide prior written notice explaining why — which you can push back on. Keep copies of everything.
Dr. Long's Assistant answers your specific questions in plain language — built from Dr. Long's expertise, plus state and federal law read at the source — never the open internet.
Get started →This is educational information, not legal advice. IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, and state rules may differ by situation.
Same Team