What does the process to request school-based evaluations for my child look like?

So many times parents come to me asking about what the process looks like to seek evaluations for IEP/504 plans for their children; this process is governed by state and federal IDEA/ADA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Americans with Disabilities Act) laws and have VERY specific timelines.

First, a parent should look at the overall academic, social, emotional, medical picture for your child-what are the academic needs, specific medical needs, emotional needs?

Then schedule a meeting with your child's teachers to see if what you are seeing at home aligns. I LOVE teachers, I LOVE principals and I LOVE special educators-I believe they have the BEST interest in their hearts for your child’s success and I highly recommend open communication.

Many times, teachers can coordinate an SST (Student Study Team) pre-intervention plan to help bolster skills with additional teacher supports.

If you feel that may not be enough, then parents can write a letter to your child’s principal requesting a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation in the areas of need (you and your child’s teacher have identified above). From the date of the formal letter, the school has 15 days to respond to parent requests.

The school will develop an AP (assessment plan) and parents can review and sign it when parents feel it is complete. The school has 60 days to complete an evaluation and hold an IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting to review the results of the completed evaluations.

If your child qualifies for special education services, an IEP/504 plan will be developed with yearly measurable goals and benchmarks. Parent consent must be given by signing the IEP/504 document prior to your child receiving services.

This process can feel overwhelming, if you need additional support to help navigate this process, please reach out to My Learning Farm www.mylearningfarm.com