Does my request have to be in a specific format to start the 15-day timeline in California?

No specific form is required. Any clear written request — an email, a letter, or even a note — that asks for a special education evaluation starts the clock. Just make sure it is dated, mentions your child by name, and is sent directly to the school or district. Keep a copy or screenshot for your records.

Can the school refuse to evaluate my child if they are passing their classes?

Passing grades alone do not disqualify a child from an evaluation. A child can struggle significantly with a disability and still earn average grades through extra effort or teacher accommodations. If the district refuses, they must provide a Prior Written Notice explaining their reasoning (34 C.F.R. § 300.503), and you have the right to challenge that decision.

What if 15 calendar days pass and I still haven't received an assessment plan?

Send a polite but firm follow-up email to both the school principal and the district's Special Education Director, noting the date of your original request and asking for an update. If there is no response, you can file a compliance complaint with the California Department of Education's Special Education Division.

Can I request evaluations in specific areas, like speech or occupational therapy, rather than a full evaluation?

Yes. You can request that the district evaluate specific areas of concern. Be clear in your written request about which areas you want assessed. Review the assessment plan carefully before signing to make sure those areas are included, and ask in writing for any missing areas to be added.

What happens if I disagree with the evaluation results?

You have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the district's assessment. The district must either fund an IEE by an outside evaluator or file for a due process hearing to defend their evaluation. For guidance on this step, consider consulting a special education advocate or attorney.

Does my child need a medical diagnosis before I can request a school evaluation?

No. A medical or clinical diagnosis is not required to request a school-based special education evaluation. The school district conducts its own assessment using educational standards to determine eligibility. You may share any outside diagnoses or reports as supporting information, but they are not a prerequisite.

How to Request a Special Education Evaluation in California

If you suspect your child may need extra support in school, knowing how to request an IEP evaluation in California is one of the most powerful steps you can take. The process is more straightforward than many parents expect, and both federal and California state law give you clear rights every step of the way. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, what to expect, and what timelines the school district must follow.

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

A special education evaluation (also called an "initial assessment") is a formal process the school district uses to determine whether your child has a disability that affects their education and whether they qualify for special education services. It may include tests of academic skills, cognitive abilities, speech and language, social-emotional functioning, motor skills, or other areas — depending on your concerns.

If your child qualifies, the evaluation results become the foundation of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) — the legal document that spells out their goals, services, and supports. Under federal law, every eligible child is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) (20 U.S.C. § 1401(9); 34 C.F.R. § 300.17), meaning specialized instruction and related services at no cost to your family.

You do not need a diagnosis from a doctor, a referral from a teacher, or permission from anyone to make a request. Any parent or guardian can ask for an evaluation at any time.

Step 1: Put Your Request in Writing

While you can ask verbally, a written request is always best. It creates a paper trail, starts the legal clock on district timelines, and shows you are an informed participant.

Your letter does not need to be formal or lengthy. It simply needs to:

State clearly that you are requesting a special education evaluation (or "initial assessment") for your child.
Include your child's full name, date of birth, school, and grade.
Briefly describe your concerns — what you are noticing at home or school (e.g., reading difficulties, behavioral challenges, speech delays).
Include the date and your contact information.
Ask the district to respond with an assessment plan.

Send the letter by email (so you have a timestamp) and/or certified mail to your child's school principal and, ideally, the district's Special Education Director. Keep a copy for yourself.

How to Request an IEP Evaluation in California: Your Legal Rights

Your right to request an initial evaluation is protected under both federal and California law (20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.301). This means the district cannot simply ignore your request or tell you to "wait and see." Once they receive your written request, a strict sequence of deadlines begins.

Step 2: Receive and Review the Assessment Plan

Within 15 calendar days of receiving your written request, the district must provide you with a written assessment plan — sometimes called a "proposed assessment" — that describes:

The areas the district plans to evaluate (e.g., academic achievement, intellectual ability, speech/language).
The specific tests or tools they intend to use.
Your rights as a parent in this process (Cal. Ed. Code § 56321(a)).

Read this plan carefully. You have the right to:

Ask questions about why certain areas are or are not included.
Add areas of concern — if you want speech evaluated but it isn't listed, say so in writing before you sign.
Consent or decline — the evaluation cannot proceed without your written consent.

You are not required to sign immediately. Take a few days to review it. If you have questions, email them to the school and keep the responses.

Step 3: The District Completes the Evaluation

Once you sign and return the assessment plan, the district has 60 calendar days to complete all assessments and hold an IEP meeting to review the results (Cal. Ed. Code §§ 56043(f)(1), 56344(a)). During this window, the evaluation team will:

Observe your child in their classroom setting.
Administer standardized and informal assessments.
Gather input from teachers, specialists, and you as the parent.

You have the right to participate. Share observations, provide records from outside providers, and ask to be kept updated on progress.

Important: The 60-day clock runs on calendar days from the date you sign the assessment plan, not school days. Weekends and breaks count — but there are some narrow exceptions (e.g., if your child is absent for an extended period).

Step 4: Attend the IEP Meeting to Review Results

At the IEP meeting, the team — which includes you — will review the evaluation findings together. The team will determine:

Whether your child meets eligibility criteria for special education under one or more disability categories.
If eligible, what goals, services, and supports belong in the IEP.

You are a full and equal member of this team, not just an observer. You can agree, disagree, ask for more time, or request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the district's findings.

If you have already requested an IEP meeting separately (outside of an initial evaluation), the district must convene that meeting within 30 calendar days of your request (Cal. Ed. Code § 56343.5).

Requesting Your Child's Records First

Before or during this process, you may want to review your child's existing school records — progress reports, prior evaluations, report cards, and teacher notes. California law requires the district to provide records you request within 5 business days (Cal. Ed. Code § 56504). Submit a brief written records request to the school office.

What If the District Refuses to Evaluate?

If the district declines your request, they must provide you with a Prior Written Notice (PWN) — a formal written explanation of why they are refusing, what information they used to make that decision, and what other options they considered (20 U.S.C. § 1415(b)(3), (c)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.503). A refusal is not the end of the road. Your options include:

Responding in writing with additional documentation of your concerns.
Requesting a meeting with the special education director.
Filing a state complaint with the California Department of Education.
Requesting mediation or a due process hearing — for high-stakes situations like these, consulting a qualified special education attorney or advocate is strongly recommended.

A Quick Reference: California's Key Timelines

Action	Timeline
District sends assessment plan after your request	15 calendar days
District completes evaluation & holds IEP meeting	60 calendar days (from signed consent)
District holds an IEP meeting you requested	30 calendar days
District provides records you requested	5 business days

A Few Final Tips

Date everything. Write the date on your request letter and note when you sent it.
Follow up in writing. If you have a phone call with the school, send a brief follow-up email summarizing what was discussed.
You don't have to go it alone. Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) in California offer free support to help you understand your rights and navigate the IEP process.
Trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone. Your concerns are valid, and asking for an evaluation is never the wrong move.