Getting Started on Your Special Education Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing and Submitting an IEP Evaluation Request Letter
- David Skelton
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
If you’re just beginning the IEP process, you’re taking an important first step toward getting your child the support they need to thrive at school. It all begins with one simple—but powerful—action: asking your school district for an evaluation.
We know this moment can feel overwhelming. You want to do it right, and you don’t want to miss anything important. That’s why Arloa is here—to make this process feel more manageable and a lot less stressful.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
Feeling confident in both your observations and your concerns because you know your child best, and your voice matters.
Your rights as a parent under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
How to use Arloa’s free letter generator to create and send your request with confidence
Your Journey Starts Today
As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your child. When you start noticing that your child may be struggling in school, it’s natural to feel a mix of concern, confusion, and urgency. You might have questions like, “Is my child getting the support they need?” or “What can I do to help them succeed?” These feelings are valid, and seeking an evaluation for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a powerful step towards understanding and addressing your child’s unique needs.
Signs Your Child Might Need an IEP Evaluation
Knowing when to seek an evaluation for your child can be challenging. Here are some signs that may indicate your child could benefit from an IEP:
Academic Struggles: Difficulty in reading, writing, math, or other subjects despite receiving additional help.
Behavioral Issues: Frequent outbursts, trouble following directions, or difficulty staying focused and organized.
Social Challenges: Difficulty making friends, interacting with peers, or understanding social cues.
Developmental Delays: Slower development in areas such as speech, motor skills, or cognitive abilities compared to peers.
Emotional Difficulties: Signs of anxiety, depression, or other emotional concerns that impact their ability to learn.
Understanding Your Concerns
It can be overwhelming when you see your child facing challenges, whether they’re academic, social, or behavioral. You might worry about their future and feel a deep desire to ensure they have every opportunity to thrive. The journey to an IEP can be daunting, but remember, you’re not alone. There are resources and support systems in place to guide you through this process.
Know Your Rights: How to Request a Free Special Education Evaluation Under IDEA
As a parent, you hold powerful legal rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). One of the most important is the right to request—at any time and at no cost—a formal evaluation to determine whether your child qualifies for special-education services and supports. By submitting a written request, you trigger the school’s obligation to respond promptly, explain your procedural safeguards, and, if you consent, complete a comprehensive assessment within strict timelines. These protections exist to ensure your child’s unique needs are identified early and addressed effectively, placing you squarely in the driver’s seat as an equal member of the IEP team.
How it works
Step-by-step timeline
Submit a written referral.
You begin the process by sending a dated letter or email to the district requesting a special-education evaluation for your child. While IDEA does not impose a hard deadline for the district’s initial response, it does require schools to act “without unnecessary delay.
Receive Prior Written Notice and a consent form.
The district must promptly give you Prior Written Notice explaining what it proposes (or refuses) to do and provide a consent form for the evaluation. Most districts aim for about 10 business days, but the legal requirement is simply “reasonable promptness.”
Comprehensive evaluation (60-day federal clock).
Once the district receives your signed consent, a multidisciplinary team has 60 calendar days to complete all testing and observations—unless your state sets an even shorter limit.
Eligibility meeting.
Once the evaluation is complete (no later than the end of the 60-day evaluation timeline, or your state’s shorter deadline), the multidisciplinary team—including you—meets immediately to review the data and decide whether your child qualifies for special-education services.
IEP developed and implemented.
If your child is found eligible, the first Individualized Education Program must be written and put into action within 30 days of the eligibility decision (and be in effect by the start of the next school year if that comes sooner).
The steps and deadlines above reflect federal IDEA requirements. Many states adopt shorter time limits or add extra procedural steps. Check your state’s special-education regulations—or contact your state’s Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center—to be sure of the rules that apply where you live.
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Key points to remember
No cost: All IDEA-required evaluations are free to parents.
Keep records: Save copies of your request, the consent form, and all district correspondence.
Faster is allowed: Districts may complete the evaluation sooner than 60 days if everyone agrees.
Dispute options: If timelines slip or you disagree with results, you can request mediation, file a state complaint, or pursue a due-process hearing—procedural safeguards guaranteed under IDEA.
How an IEP Evaluation is Determined
Both parents and schools can initiate the evaluation process for an IEP.
Here’s how it typically works:
Parent Request: As a parent, you have the right to request an evaluation if you suspect your child has a disability that impacts their learning. You can do this by submitting a written request to your child’s school.
School Referral: Teachers and school staff may also notice that a child is struggling and can refer the child for an evaluation. They may do this based on classroom observations, performance on assessments, and overall academic and behavioral patterns.
How Arloa Can Help You Request an IEP Evaluation
At Arloa, we understand the emotional journey parents are on and are dedicated to walking with you through every step of the IEP evaluation journey. Our comprehensive services are designed to provide you with all the support and resources you need to successfully request an evaluation for your child:
Writing Your IEP Evaluation Request Letter: Utilize our AI Tool to generate a detailed and professional evaluation request letter on your behalf tailored to your child’s specific needs and circumstances.
Emailing the Request to Your District: Once the letter is prepared, simply email the request letter directly to your child’s school district to kick off the evaluation process.
Guiding You Through Every Step: Our AI assistant is available to you throughout the process to answer all your questions, providing you with the clarity and confidence you need to navigate the IEP evaluation process.
IEP Meeting Preparation With Arloa's AI Assistant: Arloa can provide tips and strategies to help you easily prepare for IEP meetings, ensuring you can effectively communicate your child’s needs and advocate for appropriate support when the time comes.
Arloa's IEP Evaluation Request Letter tool works quickly to personalize letters based on your child's unique needs. Our goal is to make the process less stressful and more collaborative, empowering you to be the best advocate for your child.
Taking the First Step
Taking the first step towards securing an IEP for your child can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. By exploring these resources and utilizing our services, you’ll be well-equipped to advocate for your child’s educational needs and ensure they have the best possible learning experience.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and a powerful way to show your child how much you believe in their potential.
Sign Up for Arloa Today
Start the evaluation process and ensure your child
receives the educational support they deserve.
Additional Resources
In addition to our services, here are some key resources that can provide additional support and information:
Milestones Autism Resources - School Tool Kit: Provides step-by-step guides for initiating the IEP process, tips for communication with school professionals, and sample letters/forms. Learn More
Wrightslaw: Offers accurate, reliable information about special education law and advocacy, including in-depth articles and training programs. Learn More
Understood.org: Provides comprehensive resources for parents of children with learning and attention issues, including personalized support and expert advice. Learn More
IDEA.gov: The IDEA website from the U.S. Department of Education is your central hub for trusted information and resources about special education rights and services. Learn More
