How to Get Your Child Evaluated
How to Get Your Child Evaluated
If you believe your child may have a learning disability, developmental delay, or another condition affecting their education, you don't have to wait for the school to notice. You have the right to request an evaluation — in writing — at any time. That request starts a legal clock that the school is required to honor.
Here's how to do it.
Step One: Put It in Writing
This is the single most important thing you can do. Many parents call the school, talk to the teacher, attend a meeting — and nothing happens. That's because verbal requests don't start the legal timeline. A written request does.
Send an email or a letter to the school principal AND the special education coordinator. Keep the language simple and direct:
Use this language: "I am requesting a special education evaluation for my child, [child's name], as they are struggling in the following areas: [describe what you're observing]."
Email counts as written notice. Send it from an account you check regularly, and save the sent copy. In Virginia the school has ten days to hold a meeting called a “child study meeting” where you will discuss your concerns and the school will share their data and information about how your child will do. It is during this meeting that the school AND you will determine the need for an evaluation.
Step Two: Wait for the Consent Form
Within about 5 to 10 days, the school should send you a consent form. This document describes the areas they plan to evaluate and gives you the opportunity to approve the assessment. Sometimes the school may have a meeting to discuss your concerns and discuss the school's data and thoughts.
During this meeting, ask a lot of questions about what the school sees. If they give you consent form, make sure to read it carefully. Make sure the areas you raised in your request are included. If something is missing, respond in writing and ask that it be added before you sign.
Step Three: Sign and Return Promptly
Do not delay signing the consent form. The 60-day evaluation window does not begin until the school receives your signed consent. Every day you wait is a day off your child's evaluation window.
Keep a copy of the signed form before you return it.
Step Four: The 60-Day Clock
Once the school receives your signed consent, they have 60 days to complete the full evaluation. This timeline is set by federal law under IDEA, though some states have shorter timelines — check your state's regulations.
During this window, the school will conduct various assessments depending on your child's areas of need (we cover what those look like in the next post). You do not need to do anything else during this period — but you can and should follow up in writing if the deadline approaches without communication.
What If the School Refuses?
Schools sometimes say no — or try to delay. Common responses include: "Let's try intervention first," "We don't think an evaluation is necessary right now," or "We'll put them on the waitlist."
Here's what you need to know: if you make a written request, the school must either conduct the evaluation or provide you with a written explanation of why they are refusing — called a Prior Written Notice. If they refuse, you have the right to challenge that decision.
Don't accept a verbal "wait and see." If the school declines your request, ask for it in writing.
What If My Child Is Already Receiving Help?
Receiving tutoring, intervention, or support services does not disqualify a child from a special education evaluation. If you believe your child may have a disability that is affecting their education, you can request an evaluation regardless of what supports are already in place.
Questions to Ask
Who should I address my written request to — the principal, the special education coordinator, or both?
What areas will be assessed in the evaluation, and does that match the concerns I raised?
What is the exact deadline for completing the evaluation based on the date I submitted my written request?
If you are declining my request, can you provide that in writing with your reasons?
What interventions has my child already received, and what data exists from those efforts?
Records to Keep
Your original written evaluation request — with the date sent
Confirmation that the school received your request (email read receipt or reply)
A copy of the consent form before and after you sign it
The date you returned the signed consent (your 60-day clock starts here)
Any prior intervention records, progress data, or teacher notes about your child's needs
Any school responses — especially written refusals or notices
You don't have to wait for the school to suggest an evaluation. Submitting a written request is one of the most powerful steps you can take for your child and you can do it today.
