This toolkit tells you how to request an evaluation for Special Education Services and what you need to know if your child is getting Special Education Services. For general information about Special Education Services, read the Articles. Read the Common Questions if you have a specific question. If you want to write a letter to the school district asking them to evaluate your child for services, use the Forms links.
You'll find links to legal aid offices and lawyer referral services under Find A Lawyer. If there is a Self-Help Center in your area you can get more help there. If you need something other than legal help, look in Community Services. If you need a fee waiver, an interpreter, a court to accommodate your disability, or more information about going to court, visit Going to Court.
Common Questions
You can write a letter to your child’s school asking that your child be evaluated for Special Education Services (SES). It is important that you specifically ask that your child be evaluated, and not just ask for SES. To learn more about the process of asking for SES, read How to Ask for Special Education Services for My Child.
You can use the Do-It-Yourself Letter Requesting Special Education Services (SES) or 504 Services tool to ask your child’s school to evaluate your child for a disability.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an important plan designed to help students with disabilities who qualify for Special Education Services. The school and the student must follow this plan. It sets behavioral and educational goals, and lists programs and services needed to meet those goals.
To learn more about IEPs, read How to Ask for Special Education Services for My Child.
A 504 Plan is a plan designed to help students with mild or temporary disabilities. It lists problems the student is having and the accommodations that will be offered to help the student. The plan must be followed by all of the student’s teachers and other school staff.
To learn more, read 504 Plans in School.