If you are reading this you suspect your child could benefit from special education services. Maybe you read our learning disabilities signs and symptoms or maybe it is something you picked up on your own. Either way, great job for seeking out help! Let us help you with this first process.

1.Write a Request

Write a letter to your child’s school principal or directly to the special education director of your district. We have included a free sample here. If you wish to write it on your include your?? child’s name, grade, school attending, and your concerns. Request you child receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility for for special education services or a 504 plan. Let them know you look forward to receiving an assessment plan and response within 15 days from the day the district receives your letter. Make certain you have proof of delivery, either via email, certified letter, fax or a signature on a copy of the letter from the office.

2.Assessment Plans

After your child’s district receives the letter they will either hold a meeting to discuss our concerns or send back an assessment plan for you to sign. A meeting does not replace an assessment plan, be certain you receive an assessment plan. If they are not willing to provide you an assessment send a letter to the director of special ed informing them you are not in agreement to delay the assessment in the areas which you requested testing. Your child will then be assessed and a meeting will be held within 60-days to discuss the assessment results.

3.IEP Meeting

Your district has 60 calendar days from the date you signed the assessment plan to hold an IEP meeting to discuss the assessments. Once you sign the IEP Meeting Notice request that any reports or paperwork be given to you 5 days prior to the IEP meeting. This will give you the opportunity to review the documents ahead of time. Write down any questions or concerns you may have prior to the meeting.

Requesting for your child to be evaluated is one of the easiest steps of the IEP process. The challenges begin once the meetings are being held. At the meetings is where services and accommodations are offered for your child. This process can prove to be slightly overwhelming and frustrating for some parents. This is where we can help. Our goal is to work together with you and the rest of your child’s IEP team to develop an IEP that is appropriate for your child’s unique needs. Give us a call to find out more information.