How to Request a Special Education Evaluation for Your Child

If you suspect your child has a learning disability, developmental delay, or any condition that is affecting their ability to learn, you have the right to request a free evaluation from your child's public school. Most parents do not know this. Many wait for the school to bring it up. You do not have to wait.

What Is a Special Education Evaluation?

A special education evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by your child's school to determine whether they have a disability that qualifies them for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It may include:

Academic and cognitive testing
Speech and language assessment
Occupational or physical therapy evaluation
Social and emotional behavioral assessment
Observations in the classroom
Review of existing records and teacher input

The evaluation is free. Schools are legally required to conduct it at no cost to you.

Who Can Request an Evaluation?

Either you (the parent or guardian) or a school staff member can initiate the referral process. You do not need a doctor's note. You do not need a diagnosis first. You simply need to believe your child may have a disability that is affecting their education.

How to Submit Your Request

Always make your request in writing. A verbal request is easy to overlook or forget. A written request creates a paper trail and starts the legal clock.

Your letter does not need to be formal or lengthy. Here is a simple template:

Dear [Principal or Special Education Director's Name],

I am writing to formally request a full and individual evaluation for my child, [Child's Name], who is currently in [Grade] at [School Name]. I believe [he/she/they] may have a disability that is affecting [his/her/their] ability to access and benefit from education.

I am requesting this evaluation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Please confirm receipt of this request and notify me of the next steps and the evaluation timeline.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

Send this letter via email (so you have a timestamp) and keep a copy for your records. If you mail it, use certified mail.

What Happens After You Submit

Once the school receives your written request, the clock starts. Under federal law, the school has 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation — unless your state has a shorter timeline. Many states do.

Here is what happens next:

The school contacts you to discuss the evaluation plan and get your written consent
You sign the consent form to authorize the evaluation
The school conducts the evaluation across all areas of suspected disability
An eligibility meeting is held to review results and determine whether your child qualifies
If eligible, an IEP is developed within 30 days

What If the School Refuses?

If the school refuses to evaluate your child, they must give you written notice explaining why. This is called Prior Written Notice (PWN). You have the right to challenge that decision.

Your options include:

Request mediation — a neutral third party helps resolve the disagreement
File a state complaint — your state's Department of Education investigates
Request a due process hearing — a formal legal proceeding

If the school refuses and you believe they are wrong, contact your state's Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center — a free federally funded resource that helps parents navigate exactly these situations.

What If You Disagree With the Evaluation Results?

If the evaluation is completed and you disagree with the findings, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the school's expense. The school must either pay for the IEE or file for due process to defend their own evaluation.

A Few Important Tips

Do not wait for the school to bring it up. Schools are not always proactive about identifying students who need services. You may need to start this process yourself.
Keep copies of everything. Every letter, email, evaluation report, and meeting note should be saved and organized.
Bring someone with you to the eligibility meeting if possible — a spouse, a trusted friend, or a parent advocate.
You are not required to sign anything at the meeting. Take documents home and review them before signing.

Special Clarity has a School Appeal Letter Templates pack and an IEP Template & Guide Pack to help you at every step of this process. Visit our services page to learn more.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified special education attorney or advocate.