How to Request an IEP Evaluation: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you think your child might need an IEP, the very first step is requesting evaluations. And here’s the part schools don’t always emphasize…you don’t ask for an IEP, you ask for evaluations. That one written request is what triggers the school’s legal obligation to act. The sooner you put it in writing, the sooner the clock starts ticking, and the closer you are to getting the support your child needs.

One of the biggest mistakes I see parents make in the IEP process is not putting things in writing. Verbal requests don’t hold much weight later if there’s a disagreement. What does hold weight is your paper trail. That’s why, when it comes to requesting evaluations, always do it in writing. Email is perfectly acceptable and counts as documentation.

If you suspect your child has a disability that is affecting their education, you have the right to request that the school evaluate them. This is often called a request for evaluation (not a request for an IEP). An IEP comes later, first comes the evaluation.

Why the Wording Matters

Per IDEA’s Child Find mandate, schools are required to evaluate in all areas of suspected disability. If the school hasn’t raised concerns in an area you’re worried about, put it in your request letter. Be specific about what you are observing—academic struggles, behaviors, social challenges, or medical information that could impact learning. The school can’t address what isn’t documented.

Who You Send the Request To

Typically, you’ll address your request to the principal or special education coordinator. Sending a copy to your child’s teacher is also a good idea, but the request should be directed to the person responsible for initiating evaluations.

What is an IEP Evaluation?

An IEP evaluation is an assessment conducted by the school district to determine if a student is eligible for special education services. The evaluation is done to identify the student’s strengths and weaknesses and determine the appropriate educational program that meets the student’s needs.

The evaluation process includes a review of the student’s academic, behavioral, and developmental history, observations, and assessments.

The assessments may include cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and functional assessments, among others.

Why Request an IEP Evaluation?

As a parent or guardian, you may request an IEP evaluation if you suspect your child has a disability that affects their learning. It could be a learning disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, or any other disability that affects their academic progress.

Requesting an IEP evaluation can help identify the specific needs of your child and provide them with the necessary support and services to succeed in school. It can also help ensure that the school provides accommodations and modifications that are appropriate for your child’s disability.

Who Can Request an IEP Evaluation?

As a parent or guardian, you have the right to request an IEP evaluation for your child. You can make the request in writing to your child’s school principal or special education director.

The school district must respond to your request within a reasonable time frame and provide you with a written notice of whether they will proceed with the evaluation or not. If they proceed, the district must obtain your written consent before conducting any assessments.

What to Include in Your Request

Your request letter doesn’t have to be long, but it does need to be clear. At minimum, include:

• That you are requesting your child be evaluated for special education services.
• The specific concerns or areas you want evaluated.
• Any supporting information (previous testing, diagnoses, medical information, or your own observations).
• A request for written confirmation and next steps.

Next Steps After You Send the Request

Once your request is received, the school must respond in writing. They will either:

1. Provide you with a “Permission to Evaluate” form for you to sign, or
2. Issue a Prior Written Notice explaining why they are refusing.

They cannot simply ignore your request. By law, they must respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Sample Language for a Request Letter

Here’s a short template you can adapt:

Dear [Principal/Special Education Coordinator],

I am writing to formally request that my child, [Child’s Name], be evaluated for special education services. I have concerns in the following areas: [list concerns, such as reading, attention, social skills].

Please provide me with the Permission to Evaluate form and let me know the next steps in the process.

Thank you and I can be reached at this email address if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Requesting evaluations is the first and most important step in the IEP process. Put it in writing, be specific, and keep a copy for your records. That one letter starts the clock ticking and puts the responsibility on the school to act.

This is only one post in huge cluster of information–take your time, it’s a lot to learn.

My recommended reading for next steps are:

• IEP Testing and Evaluations: What assessments or tests should I ask for?
• What Happens After You Request IEP Evaluations?