Your school must evaluate your child if you ask — here's exactly how to do it

Under IDEA, you have the legal right to request a free evaluation of your child for special education services, and the school district must respond. They can agree to evaluate or refuse — but if they refuse, they must explain why in writing, and you can challenge that decision. This is federal law.

Here's the critical part: make your request in writing. A verbal conversation with the teacher doesn't create a legal paper trail. Write a letter or email addressed to the school principal or special education director. Include your child's name, date of birth, grade, your specific concerns (be descriptive — "she struggles to follow multi-step instructions and has difficulty holding a pencil" is better than "she's behind"), and a clear statement that you are requesting an evaluation under IDEA.

Keep a copy of everything. The moment the school receives your written request, a legal timeline begins. They must respond within a reasonable timeframe (usually 15 school days to decide, then 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation, though timelines vary by state). If they miss these deadlines, that's a violation you can raise.

You should also know that you don't need a doctor's referral to request a school evaluation. You don't need the teacher to agree. You don't need to wait for the school to bring it up. You are your child's legal advocate, and this process belongs to you. If you've been told to "wait and see" but your instincts say otherwise, put it in writing today.