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Sample IEP Evaluation Request Letters

Writing to request an initial evaluation triggers federal IDEA timelines. These sample letters cover first-time requests, older-child evaluations, re-requests after denial, and private-eval-attached requests.

First-time evaluation request (kindergarten to 3rd grade)

When to use: Use when you have early-elementary concerns and the school has not yet evaluated your child. Triggers IDEA timelines for the district to respond with consent or refusal.

[Date]

[Principal Name]
[School Name]
[School District]
[Address]

Re: Request for Initial Special Education Evaluation, [Child's Name], [Grade]

Dear [Principal],

I am writing to formally request an initial special education evaluation for my child, [Child's Name], a [grade] student at [School Name]. I am making this request in writing under 34 CFR 300.301(b), which allows a parent to initiate a request for the evaluation of a child suspected of having a disability.

The specific concerns I have observed include:
- [Specific academic concern, for example: difficulty with letter recognition and early reading despite classroom instruction]
- [Specific behavioral or social concern, for example: difficulty with transitions, sensory overload, limited peer interaction]
- [Specific communication concern, for example: limited expressive language, difficulty following multi-step directions]
- [Anything the teacher has noted]

These concerns have been present for [time period] and I believe they may indicate a disability that is affecting [Child's Name]'s ability to access [his/her/their] education.

I am requesting:
1. A full and individual initial evaluation in all areas of suspected disability under 34 CFR 300.304.
2. The school's prior written notice and consent-for-evaluation paperwork at the earliest opportunity, so the 60-calendar-day timeline (or my state's specific timeline) can begin.
3. The names of the evaluators who will participate, and an outline of the assessments planned.

Please confirm receipt of this letter in writing within five business days, along with the school's intended next step. If the school decides not to evaluate, I am requesting Prior Written Notice under 34 CFR 300.503 explaining the reasons for that decision.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,

[Parent's Name]
[Phone]
[Email]

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Older-child first evaluation (4th grade and up)

When to use: Use when you are requesting a first-time evaluation for an older child whose struggles have escalated despite classroom interventions, RTI, or general education accommodations.

Re-request after a first denial

When to use: Use when you have already requested an evaluation and the school refused. Triggers a paper trail and a clear next step (Prior Written Notice, IEE, or state complaint).

Private evaluation attached

When to use: Use when you have a private psychoeducational, neuropsych, or medical evaluation and want the school to consider it as part of an initial evaluation request. Forces the district to either evaluate or issue PWN explaining why not.

Pediatrician-recommended evaluation

When to use: Use when your child's pediatrician, developmental specialist, or therapist has recommended a school-based evaluation and you want the recommendation on the record alongside your request.

Frequently asked questions

How do I write a letter to request an IEP evaluation?
Write to the school's special education director or your child's principal, request a comprehensive evaluation in writing under 34 CFR 300.301(b), state your specific concerns, and ask for an evaluation in all areas of suspected disability. The written request triggers IDEA timelines (often 60 calendar days, varies by state).
What should an IEP request letter include?
Your name and contact info, your child's name and grade, the date, specific concerns prompting the request, an explicit request for an evaluation under 34 CFR 300.301(b) and 300.304, your preferred response timeline, and your signature. Keep it under one page.
How long does the school have to respond?
Federal law requires Prior Written Notice within a reasonable time, and most states require evaluation completion within 60 calendar days of parental consent (some states use school days or 45 days). Check your state's specific timeline.
Can the school refuse to evaluate?
Yes, but they must provide Prior Written Notice under 34 CFR 300.503 explaining the refusal and the data they relied on. If you disagree, you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense under 34 CFR 300.502, file a state complaint, or request mediation or due process.
Can the school require RTI before evaluating?
No. Under federal law, a school's response-to-intervention (RTI) process cannot be used to delay or deny an initial evaluation when a parent requests one in writing. The Office of Special Education Programs has issued guidance on this point.

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