How to request a special education evaluation

A plain-language guide · 5 min read

Child Find is a legal mandate under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires public school systems and states to actively locate, identify, and evaluate all children from birth through age 21 who may have disabilities and need special education or early intervention services.

Key aspects of Child Find

• Who it covers: children from birth to age 21, regardless of how severe the disability is.
• Where it applies: includes public schools, private schools, homeschooling, homeless youth, and foster care within the district.
• No cost: evaluations and screenings provided by the school district are entirely free for families.
• No label needed: a child does not need a formal medical diagnosis or failing grades to be referred and evaluated.

If you believe your child may need additional support at school, you do not have to wait for the school to raise the concern. Under IDEA's Child Find requirements, schools and public agencies have an obligation to identify, locate, and evaluate students who may have a disability and need special education and related services.

As a parent, you can also request an evaluation in writing. Putting your request in writing creates a clear record and ensures your concerns are formally considered.

Understanding your Child Find rights

Child Find is an important protection under IDEA. Schools have a responsibility to identify and evaluate students they suspect may have a disability and may need special education and related services.

Concerns involving learning, reading, attention, communication, behavior, developmental needs, or other areas may warrant consideration.

The purpose of an evaluation is to determine whether a child has a disability and, if so, what educational needs result from that disability. A child's passing grades or participation in general education interventions do not, by themselves, eliminate the need to consider whether an evaluation is appropriate.

What to include in your request

Keep your request clear and specific:

• Your child's name, date of birth, grade, and teacher
• A clear request for a comprehensive educational evaluation to determine whether your child is eligible for special education and related services under IDEA
• The specific areas of concern — such as reading, attention, speech, behavior, communication, or learning
• A request to schedule a referral meeting to discuss your concerns and determine whether additional assessments are needed to evaluate your child's suspected disability and educational needs
• A request for a copy of your IDEA procedural safeguards

Copy-and-paste template

[Date] Dear [Teacher, Counselor, Administrator], I am the parent of [Child's Name], date of birth [DOB], in [grade] with [teacher]. I am writing to formally request a comprehensive educational evaluation to determine whether my child is eligible for special education and related services under IDEA. I have concerns in the following areas: [describe concerns — for example, reading, math, attention, speech, behavior, communication, or learning], which I believe may be adversely affecting my child's ability to access and make progress in the general education environment. I am requesting that the school initiate its Child Find obligations under IDEA and schedule a referral meeting to discuss my concerns and determine whether additional assessments are needed to evaluate my child's suspected disability and educational needs. Please provide a copy of the following so I/we may meaningfully participate in the meeting: • IDEA Student and Parent Rights (Procedural Safeguards) • Notice of Invitation with date and time to consider the need for additional data and a referral for evaluation for special education services • Copies of any pre-referral observations or pre-referral data that may be used by the district in consideration of the need for additional assessments Thank you, [Your Name] [Phone] · [Email]

What happens next?

The referral process allows the team to review your concerns, examine existing information, and determine whether additional assessments are needed to identify a suspected disability and understand your child's educational needs.

If an evaluation is conducted, the team — including you — will review the results and determine whether your child meets IDEA eligibility requirements and needs special education and related services.

If you disagree with the evaluation or its results, IDEA provides additional procedural safeguards and options, including the ability to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) in certain circumstances.

Not sure whether your concerns may trigger Child Find, what to request, or how to prepare? Same Team can help you understand your rights, organize your concerns, and prepare to participate as an informed and equal member of the team.

This is educational information, not legal advice.

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