How Do I Ask the School to Evaluate My Child?

Quick Answer

Ask in writing, and date it. A verbal request to a teacher can sit for months; a written request to the principal or special education coordinator starts the clock. Say what you are seeing, ask for an evaluation in every area you are worried about, and request the consent forms. If the district says no, it must give you Prior Written Notice explaining why.

Special Education Evaluation Request Letter

Subject: Written Request for Initial Special Education Evaluation — [Child's Name]

Dear Special Education Coordinator, I am the parent of [Child's Name], a student at [School Name] in the [School District]. I am writing to request a full initial evaluation to determine whether my child is eligible for special education and related services under IDEA. I am making this request in writing and dating it, because I understand the timeline begins from this request. Here is what I am seeing: [Describe what concerns you, in your own words. Concrete examples help more than labels — for example: "He is in second grade and still cannot read simple words his classmates read easily," or "She comes home in tears three days a week and says the noise in class hurts."] [If your child has a diagnosis, evaluation, or medical report, mention it here and offer to share a copy.] I am requesting that the evaluation cover all areas of suspected disability, as provided under 34 CFR §300.304(c)(4). Specifically, I would like the team to consider:

[List the areas you want assessed — for example: reading and written language, speech and language, attention and executive function, social and emotional functioning, sensory processing, motor skills.] I am asking for this because an evaluation can only identify needs in the areas it actually examines, and any future plan will be built from what this evaluation finds. Please send me: 1. The consent-for-evaluation forms, so I can return them promptly and start the timeline 2. Written confirmation of the date you received this request 3. A copy of my procedural safeguards, including [State]'s evaluation timeline 4. The name and role of the person who will coordinate the evaluation If the district declines to evaluate my child, I am requesting Prior Written Notice explaining that decision and the information it was based on, as provided under 34 CFR §300.503. I want to work with you on this and I am happy to meet, share what I am seeing at home, or answer questions. Please confirm you have received this request. Sincerely, [Your Name] 9/20/2026

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When to Use This Letter

•Your child is struggling and does not have an IEP or 504 plan yet
•Your child was recently diagnosed and you want the school to evaluate them
•You asked a teacher verbally and nothing has happened
•Your child was found ineligible before and you have new information

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