"It took two years just to get my child evaluated."
Waiting can sound reasonable when every delay is described as one more intervention cycle. But Child Find requires districts to identify, locate, and evaluate children who may need special education. RTI or MTSS cannot be used to delay or deny an evaluation. If you need to turn concerns into a focused written request, book a $29 overview with Stephanie Wynn.
Put the Evaluation Request in Writing
State that you are requesting an initial evaluation under the IDEA because you suspect a disability and describe the areas of concern. Include relevant school data, private reports, work samples, attendance, behavior, and interventions. Ask the district to confirm receipt and explain the next procedural step.
A comprehensive evaluation should:
- Use multiple tools and sources, not one score.
- Assess every suspected area of disability.
- Use technically sound, nondiscriminatory measures.
- Include parent information and classroom data.
- Be sufficiently comprehensive to identify educational needs, even if they do not fit a single label.
Stephanie Wynn's Recommendation
Do not argue about eligibility before the evaluation exists. First secure a complete evaluation of every suspected area, then use the resulting data to discuss eligibility and need.
If the District Refuses
Ask for Prior Written Notice describing the refusal, the reason, the information relied upon, and other options considered. A verbal wait-and-see answer is not the same as a documented decision.
The clearest request connects observed difficulty to the areas that need assessment. Reserve a private $29 overview if you want help organizing those concerns before contacting the school.
