Does my request for an IEP evaluation in Arkansas have to be in writing?

While a school may accept a verbal request, putting your request in writing is strongly recommended. A written request creates a clear record of the date the district received it, which officially starts the legal timeline. Email with a read receipt or certified mail are both good options.

How long does the school have to complete the evaluation in Arkansas?

Under federal law (34 C.F.R. § 300.301(c)(1)), the school district must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days after you provide written consent. Arkansas follows this federal timeline, so note the exact date you sign the consent form.

What if my child's school refuses to evaluate them?

The district must give you a Prior Written Notice (PWN) in writing explaining why it is declining. You have the right to request mediation, file a complaint with the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), or request a due process hearing. Consulting a special education advocate or attorney is a good idea at this stage.

Does my child need a doctor's diagnosis before the school will evaluate them?

No. You do not need an outside diagnosis to request a school evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation is for the school team — together with you — to determine whether your child has a disability that affects their education. A medical diagnosis can be helpful information, but it is not a prerequisite.

Will I have to pay for the special education evaluation?

No. Under the Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) requirement in IDEA (20 U.S.C. § 1401(9); 34 C.F.R. § 300.17), the initial evaluation must be provided at no cost to you. If you independently seek a private evaluation, that is a separate matter and may involve costs.

What happens after the evaluation is done?

The IEP team — which includes you — will meet to review the evaluation results and decide whether your child is eligible for special education services. If your child is found eligible, the team then develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) describing the specific supports and services your child will receive.

How to Request a Special Education Evaluation in Arkansas

If you're worried that your child may have a disability affecting their learning, you have the right to request an IEP evaluation in Arkansas at any time — and it doesn't cost your family a thing. This guide walks you through every step, from writing your request letter to understanding what happens next, so you can feel confident and prepared.

What Is a Special Education Evaluation and Why Does It Matter?

A special education evaluation (also called an initial evaluation) is a thorough, multi-faceted assessment to determine whether your child has a disability and, if so, what supports and services they need. It is the gateway to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) — a legally binding plan that ensures your child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their unique needs (20 U.S.C. § 1401(9); 34 C.F.R. § 300.17).

The evaluation looks at your child as a whole person: academic skills, social-emotional development, communication, motor skills, and more — depending on your concerns.

Who Can Request an IEP Evaluation in Arkansas?

Under federal law, both parents and schools can initiate an evaluation. You do not need to wait for a teacher to refer your child. Under 20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1) and 34 C.F.R. § 300.301, a parent may request an initial evaluation at any time by submitting a written request to the school district.

You are the expert on your child. If something feels off, trust that instinct and put your request in writing.

Step-by-Step: How to Request an Evaluation in Arkansas

Step 1 — Write a Formal Request Letter

A verbal request is easy to overlook or forget. A written request creates a paper trail and officially starts the clock on the district's timeline. Your letter doesn't need to be fancy. Include:

Your child's full name, date of birth, and school
A brief description of your concerns (academic struggles, speech delays, attention difficulties, behavioral challenges, etc.)
A clear statement that you are requesting a full and individual initial evaluation under IDEA
Your name, contact information, and the date
Your signature

Deliver it in a way you can track — email with a read receipt, certified mail, or hand-delivery with a date-stamped copy kept for your records.

Step 2 — Address It to the Right Person

Send your letter to:

Your child's principal, and
The district's Special Education Director (sometimes called the Director of Student Services)

Sending it to both ensures it reaches the right team quickly. You can find the Special Education Director's contact information on your school district's website or by calling the district office.

Step 3 — Keep a Copy of Everything

From the moment you send your letter, start a dedicated folder (physical or digital) for all special education documents. Note the exact date you sent the letter. This matters because federal timelines begin from the date the district receives your written request.

Step 4 — Wait for the District's Response

After receiving your request, the school district must respond with a Prior Written Notice (PWN). Prior Written Notice is a formal written document the school is required to give you explaining whether it agrees to evaluate your child or declines to do so — and why (20 U.S.C. § 1415(b)(3), (c)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.503).

If the district agrees to evaluate: they will also send you a consent form. You must sign and return this consent before the evaluation can begin. The evaluation clock does not start until you provide written consent.
If the district declines to evaluate: the PWN must explain the reasons. You have the right to disagree and request mediation or a due process hearing. If you reach this point, consulting a qualified special education advocate or attorney is strongly recommended.

Step 5 — Understand the Arkansas Evaluation Timeline

Once you give written consent, the district must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days (34 C.F.R. § 300.301(c)(1)). Arkansas follows this federal 60-calendar-day timeline for completing the evaluation after parental consent is received.

Here's a quick summary of the timeline:

Event	Timeframe
District receives your written request	Day 0
District provides PWN (agree or decline)	As soon as practicable
You sign and return the consent form	Up to you — do it promptly!
District completes the full evaluation	Within 60 calendar days of consent
IEP team meets to review results	Within the 60-day window or shortly after

Tip: Note the date you sign and return the consent form. Count 60 days forward — that is the deadline for the evaluation to be completed.

Step 6 — Participate in the Evaluation Process

During the evaluation, the school's team may observe your child, review records, conduct standardized tests, and gather input from teachers. Your input matters too. You will likely be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales. Answer them honestly and thoroughly — you see your child in environments the school never will.

Step 7 — Attend the IEP Eligibility Meeting

When the evaluation is complete, the school will invite you to a meeting to review the results and determine whether your child is eligible for special education services. You are a full member of this team. You have the right to bring a support person, ask questions, and take time to review the reports before agreeing to anything.

What If the School Says No?

If the district refuses to evaluate your child, it must tell you so in writing through a PWN and explain its reasoning. You can:

Ask for a meeting to discuss the decision
Request mediation through the Arkansas Department of Education
File a state complaint with the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Request a due process hearing under IDEA

For any of these options beyond the initial discussion, connecting with a trained special education advocate or attorney can be very helpful.

Sample Language for Your Request Letter

Below is a simple template you can adapt:

Dear [Principal's Name] and [Special Education Director's Name],

I am writing to formally request a full and individual initial special education evaluation for my child, [Child's Full Name], date of birth [DOB], who is currently enrolled in [grade] at [School Name].

I have concerns about [briefly describe: e.g., my child's reading skills, attention, speech, behavior, etc.] that may indicate a disability affecting their educational performance. I am requesting this evaluation pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1).

Please send me the necessary consent forms and Prior Written Notice at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at [phone number] or [email address].

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Date]

A Few Encouraging Reminders

You cannot be charged for a special education evaluation — it is provided at no cost to families under FAPE.
Your child doesn't need a diagnosis before you request an evaluation. The school's job is to determine whether one exists.
Requesting an evaluation does not mean your child will automatically receive an IEP. It means the team will gather information together to make the best decision for your child.
You are your child's most important advocate. Knowing your rights and following these steps puts you in the best position to get your child the support they deserve.