How to Request a Special Education Evaluation in Georgia

If you suspect your child may need special education services, knowing how to request an IEP evaluation in Georgia is the single most important first step you can take. The process is more straightforward than most parents realize — and the law gives you clear, enforceable rights every step of the way. This guide walks you through everything: what an evaluation is, who can request one, what to write, and what happens after you send that letter.

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What Is a Special Education Evaluation?

A special education evaluation (also called an initial evaluation or psychoeducational evaluation) is a comprehensive assessment of your child across all areas where a disability might be affecting their learning or development. It may include testing of academic skills, cognitive ability, language, behavior, motor skills, and more, depending on your child's specific concerns.

The purpose is to determine:

• Whether your child has a disability recognized under federal law
• Whether that disability affects their ability to access education
• What services, if any, your child needs to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) — meaning specially designed instruction at no cost to your family (20 U.S.C. § 1401(9); 34 C.F.R. § 300.17)

A completed evaluation is the gateway to an Individualized Education Program (IEP). You cannot get an IEP without one.

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Who Can Request an IEP Evaluation in Georgia?

Under federal law and Georgia rules, either a parent or the school district can initiate the process (20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.301). You do not need to wait for a teacher to suggest it, and you do not need to go through a referral committee first. If you have concerns, you have the right to ask directly.

You can request an evaluation for your child if:

• They are between 3 and 21 years old
• They attend a Georgia public school (including charter schools)
• You suspect a disability — even if grades are passing or teachers haven't flagged a concern

A disability does not always look like failing grades. Children with anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or processing disorders often find ways to "get by" while quietly struggling. Trust your instincts.

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How to Make Your Request: Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Put It in Writing

Verbal requests are easy to lose track of. A written request creates a paper trail and starts the legal clock. You can hand-deliver it, email it, or mail it with delivery confirmation. Address it to the principal and the special education coordinator (sometimes called the "SPED coordinator" or "Special Education Director") at your child's school.

Your letter should include:

• Your child's full name, date of birth, grade, and school
• A brief description of your specific concerns (e.g., reading difficulties, attention, social communication)
• A clear statement: "I am formally requesting a full and individual initial evaluation to determine whether my child is eligible for special education services under IDEA."
• Your name, contact information, and the date
• A request for written confirmation that the letter was received

Keep a copy for your records. Simple, direct, and dated — that is all you need.

Step 2 — Watch for the School's Response

After you submit your request, the school must respond. Federal law requires the district to provide you with Prior Written Notice (PWN) — a written document explaining whether they agree to evaluate your child or refuse to do so, and the reasons why (20 U.S.C. § 1415(b)(3), (c)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.503).

• If the school agrees: They will also send you a consent form. You must sign and return this before the evaluation can begin. Read it carefully — it will describe the types of assessments planned.
• If the school refuses: The PWN must explain their reasoning. A refusal is not the end of the road (see below).

Step 3 — Know Your Timeline

Georgia has a specific timeline for completing evaluations. Once you provide consent, the school must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 160-4-7-.04). This clock starts the day the district receives your signed consent form — not the day you mailed your request.

Mark that date on your calendar. If the 60-day window is approaching and you have heard nothing, follow up in writing.

Step 4 — Attend the Eligibility Meeting

Once the evaluation is complete, the school will invite you to an eligibility meeting (sometimes called an IEP eligibility conference). At this meeting:

• The evaluation team shares results with you
• You discuss whether your child meets eligibility criteria for one or more disability categories under IDEA
• If eligible, the team begins the IEP development process

You are a full, equal member of this team. Bring a support person if that helps you feel confident — a trusted friend, family member, or a parent advocate.

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What If the School Says No?

A school can legally decline to evaluate, but they must explain why in writing via the Prior Written Notice (34 C.F.R. § 300.503). If you receive a refusal and believe your child genuinely needs an evaluation, you have several options:

• Request a meeting to discuss the school's reasoning and share additional information (teacher reports, pediatrician notes, outside assessments)
• File a State Complaint with the Georgia Department of Education if you believe the district violated IDEA's procedural requirements
• Request Mediation — a free, voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps both sides reach an agreement
• Request a Due Process Hearing — a more formal legal proceeding; this is a high-stakes step where consulting a qualified special education attorney or advocate is strongly recommended

Most disagreements are resolved long before due process. Clear, calm, documented communication resolves the majority of concerns.

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Tips for a Stronger Request

• Be specific about your concerns. "He struggles to read" is less useful than "She reads two grade levels below peers, avoids reading aloud, and reverses letters consistently."
• Attach supporting documents. Report cards, progress monitoring data, notes from the pediatrician, or a prior private evaluation can strengthen your case.
• Keep every piece of correspondence. Date, save, and organize every email and letter you send or receive.
• Ask questions freely. If the school uses terms you don't recognize — "RTI," "SLD criteria," "cognitive processing" — ask them to explain in plain language. That is your right.
• You don't need a diagnosis first. A doctor's diagnosis of ADHD or autism is helpful context, but it is not required to request or qualify for a school-based evaluation.

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Georgia-Specific Details to Know

• Georgia follows federal IDEA timelines with a 60-calendar-day evaluation window (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 160-4-7-.04). Note that some states use school days instead — Georgia uses calendar days.
• Georgia's special education rules are administered by the Georgia Department of Education, Office of Special Education Services.
• Georgia has a Parent Training and Information Center called the Georgia SPAN (Special Parent Advocacy Network) — a free resource that can help you understand your rights and prepare for meetings.
• If your child currently attends a private school or is homeschooled, contact your local public school district's special education office, as different rules apply to Child Find obligations in those settings.

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A Note on Language and Mindset

Requesting an evaluation is not an adversarial act. Most schools want to identify and support students who are struggling — they are often stretched thin and genuinely grateful when parents bring concerns forward clearly and constructively. Think of this process as opening a door together, not knocking it down. You know your child best. The school has expertise in assessment and instruction. That partnership, when it works, is powerful.