How to Request an IEP Evaluation (Free Letter Template)

If you think your child might need special education, you can ask the school to evaluate them. You don't need a doctor's note. You don't need to wait for the school to bring it up. Under IDEA, a parent can request an initial evaluation.

Why ask for an evaluation?

An evaluation is how the school decides whether your child has a disability that qualifies for special education, and what kind of help they need. Schools also have a duty, called Child Find, to identify and evaluate children who may have disabilities. But in real life, it's often a parent who notices first.

You might ask for an evaluation if your child is struggling with learning, attention, behavior, communication, motor skills, or social and emotional needs, and the regular supports haven't been enough.

Good to know: A school can't use RTI or MTSS (tiered interventions) to delay or deny an evaluation when a parent requests one. The U.S. Department of Education has said this in official guidance (OSEP Memo 11-07).

Step by step

1. Put your request in writing

You can ask out loud, but writing creates a dated record. Email or a letter both work. Send it to the special education director or the principal, and keep a copy. Use the free letter below.

2. Watch for the school's answer

The school will either agree to evaluate and ask for your consent, or refuse. If it refuses, it must give you Prior Written Notice: a written explanation of what it refused and why. It must also give you a copy of your procedural safeguards (your rights).

3. Give written consent

The school can't do an initial evaluation without your informed, written consent. Read the consent form. It should list what the evaluation will cover. If an area you're worried about is missing, ask to add it.

4. The evaluation timeline starts

Under federal law, the initial evaluation must be done within 60 days of receiving your consent, unless your state has set a different timeline. Many states use their own timeline, and some count school days instead of calendar days. Check your state's rules. See IEP deadlines for more.

5. The evaluation itself

The school must use a variety of tools and must not rely on just one test. Your child should be assessed in all areas related to the suspected disability. Your input as a parent is part of the evaluation.

6. The eligibility meeting

You and the team look at the results and decide whether your child is eligible. Ask for the reports before the meeting so you have time to read them. If your child is eligible, the IEP meeting must be held within 30 days of that decision.

7. If you disagree

If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you can ask for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense. The school must then either pay for the IEE or file for a due process hearing to show its evaluation was appropriate.

Free letter template

Copy this letter, fill in the parts in [brackets], and remove anything that doesn't fit your child. Keep it short and factual.

[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your phone and email]

[Date]

[Name of Director of Special Education or Principal]
[School or district name]
[School or district address]

Re: Request for a full and individual evaluation for [child's name], date of birth [DOB], grade [grade], [school name]

Dear [Name],

I am the parent of [child's name], who is in [grade] at [school name]. I am writing to request a full and individual evaluation to determine whether [child's name] is a child with a disability who needs special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I am also requesting that [child's name] be considered for a Section 504 plan if found eligible under Section 504.

I am concerned about [child's name]'s progress and needs at school. Some of my concerns are:
- [Example: difficulty with reading, writing, or math]
- [Example: trouble with attention, focus, or following multi-step directions]
- [Example: meltdowns, shutdowns, or anxiety at school]
- [Example: sensory needs, social difficulties, or communication]

[Optional: [Child's name] has been diagnosed with [diagnosis] by [provider]. I can share a copy of that report.]

I request that the evaluation look at all areas related to the suspected disability, which may include cognitive and academic skills, speech and language, occupational therapy and sensory needs, social-emotional and behavioral needs (including a functional behavioral assessment if appropriate), and attention and executive functioning.

Please send me the consent form for the evaluation, along with a copy of the procedural safeguards notice and prior written notice of the district's decision. I understand that once I give written consent, the evaluation must be completed within the timeline required by federal and state law.

I would also like copies of the evaluation reports before the eligibility meeting, so I have time to read them.

Thank you. I look forward to working with you. Please contact me at [phone] or [email].

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Tips

Send it by email so you have a date stamp, or hand-deliver and ask for a dated receipt.
Write down the date you sent it and the date you signed consent. Those dates start the clock.
If you don't hear back within a week or two, send a short, kind follow-up.
Keep everything together. Tiny Advocate's IEP progress tracker shows each step, from referral to consent to evaluation, and counts days for you.

Not legal advice. This page shares general information about federal law. It is not legal advice. Rules vary by state and district. For help with your situation, contact your state's Parent Training and Information Center or a special education attorney or advocate.

How to request an IEP evaluation