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USA IEP: How to Make a Request for IEP Assessment.

  • Mable Green
  • Nov 16, 2025
  • 3 min read

The USA IEPs for special education needs services are governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which is equivalent to the UK's EHCNA

(Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment). It is the process that leads to an evaluation for special education services.


Here's how to start and go through this process in the U.S.:

How to Request a Special Education Evaluation (U.S. Process)

✅ 1. Submit a Written Request for Evaluation for an IEP

  • As a parent or guardian, you have the legal right to request a free evaluation from your child's public school.

  • The request should be submitted in writing to the school principal, special education director, or district office.

Include:

  • Your child's name and grade

  • Specific concerns about learning, development, or behaviour

  • A formal request for evaluation under IDEA

📝 Sample Letter: Above is a downloadable template you can modify

"I am writing to request that my child, [Name], be evaluated for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I have concerns about [brief description], and I believe [he/she/they] may have a disability that impacts learning."


🕒 2. School Reviews and Responds

  • Depending on your state, the school must respond within a set timeframe, often 15 calendar days.

  • They will either:

    • Get your written consent to begin the evaluation or

    • Please provide a written explanation of why they are refusing (which you can appeal).


🧠 3. The Evaluation Happens

  • A multidisciplinary team evaluates your child in all areas of suspected disability (e.g., cognitive, emotional, academic, speech/language, motor skills).

  • This usually happens within 60 calendar days of your consent.


🗣 4. Eligibility Meeting

  • After the evaluation, the school holds a meeting to decide if your child qualifies for services under one of the 13 disability categories (including autism, ADHD, learning disability, etc.).


📘 5. If Eligible: An IEP is Developed

  • An Individualised Education Program (IEP) is written by a team including:

    • Parents

    • Teachers

    • Special educators

    • Related service providers (e.g., speech therapists)


❌ If the School Refuses to Evaluate for an IEP:

You can:

  • File a complaint

  • Request mediation

  • File for a due process hearing

Resources like Wrightslaw or Understood.org can help guide you through disputes.

Top organisations that can help you apply for an educational evaluation in the USA.



🏛️ 1. Parent Training and Information Centres (PTIs)

  • Federally funded, located in every U.S. state.

  • Help families understand their rights under IDEA.

  • Provide support for requesting evaluations, developing IEPs, and resolving disputes.



  • Provides step-by-step guidance on how to request an evaluation.

  • Offers templates, videos, and expert advice on learning and thinking differences.

  • Great for parents navigating school systems for the first time.



⚖️ 3. Wrightslaw

  • Legal advocacy site for parents of children with disabilities.

  • Offers detailed guides on evaluations, IEPs, and special education law.

  • Best resource for learning how to write effective letters and advocate for your child.



🤝 4. Disability Rights Organisations (State-Based)

  • Every U.S. state has a Protection and Advocacy agency that supports people with disabilities.

  • Can help with evaluations, IEP meetings, and legal disputes if needed.

👉 Find your state agency here:🔗 https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/



🧩 5. Local Autism or Disability Nonprofits

Many local nonprofits also offer advocacy and evaluation help, including:

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