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 most important first step you can take. That request — once made in writing — sets legal timelines in motion, protects your child's rights, and opens the door to the support they deserve. This guide walks you through every step, in plain language, so you can move forward with confidence.

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What Is an Initial Evaluation, and Why Does It Matter?

An initial evaluation is a thorough assessment that determines whether your child has a disability and, if so, what special education services they may need. It is not the same as a classroom test or a pediatrician's screening. Under federal law, every public school in Georgia is required to identify and evaluate children who may have a disability — a mandate known as Child Find (20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.301).

If your child is found eligible, the school creates an Individualized Education Program (IEP) — a written plan that spells out their specific goals and the services the school must provide. Those services are part of your child's right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) (20 U.S.C. § 1401(9); 34 C.F.R. § 300.17), meaning the school cannot charge you for them.

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Who Can Request an IEP Evaluation in Georgia?

Any of the following people can make the request:

• A parent or legal guardian (the most common and recommended approach)
• A student who has reached the age of majority (18 in Georgia)
• A teacher or other school staff member who suspects a disability

As a parent, you do not need anyone's permission to ask. You have an independent right to request an evaluation at any time.

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How to Request an IEP Evaluation in Georgia — Step by Step

Step 1: Put Your Request in Writing

A verbal conversation is a good starting point, but a written request is what officially starts the clock. Schools are not required to act on spoken requests, so this step is essential.

Your letter or email does not need to be formal or use legal language. Include:

• Your child's full name, date of birth, and school/grade
• A clear statement that you are requesting a special education evaluation
• A brief description of your concerns (academic struggles, behavior, speech delays, sensory issues, etc.)
• Your name, contact information, and the date
• A request for written confirmation that the school received your letter

Tip: Send the request by email so you have a time-stamped record, or by U.S. mail with delivery confirmation. Keep a copy for yourself.

Step 2: Send It to the Right Person

Address your request to the principal of your child's school and, if you know them, the special education coordinator or director of special education for your school district. Sending it to both ensures it reaches the right team quickly.

Step 3: Understand What Happens Next — Consent

Within a reasonable time after receiving your request, the school must send you a Prior Written Notice (PWN) — a formal document explaining whether the school agrees to evaluate your child or refuses to do so, and why (20 U.S.C. § 1415(b)(3), (c)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.503).

If the school agrees to evaluate, they will also send you a consent form. You must sign and return this form before the evaluation can begin. Read it carefully — it will describe the types of assessments the school plans to conduct.

Step 4: Know Georgia's 60-Day Timeline

Once you give written consent, Georgia law requires the school to complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 160-4-7-.04). This is stricter than the federal default, so it applies to all Georgia public schools. Mark your calendar the day you sign the consent form.

During those 60 days, a team of qualified professionals — which may include psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and educators — will assess your child across all areas of suspected disability. No single test score can determine eligibility on its own.

Step 5: Review the Evaluation Report

When the evaluation is complete, you will receive a copy of the full report before any eligibility meeting. Take time to review it. You have the right to:

• Ask the evaluators to explain any findings you don't understand
• Bring a support person (a friend, family member, or advocate) to the eligibility meeting
• Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation results

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What If the School Says No?

If the school refuses to evaluate your child, they must still send you a Prior Written Notice (PWN) explaining their reasoning in writing (34 C.F.R. § 300.503). You then have several options:

• Ask for clarification in writing about the specific reasons for the refusal
• Share additional documentation — medical records, private evaluations, teacher observations — that supports your concerns
• Request mediation through the Georgia Department of Education, a free, voluntary process
• File a State Complaint with the Georgia Department of Education's Special Education Division if you believe your child's rights under IDEA have been violated
• Consult a special education attorney or advocate if the situation remains unresolved, especially if you believe a refusal is unjustified

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What to Include in Your Request Letter — A Simple Template

Here is language you can adapt:

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

I am writing to formally request a full and individual initial evaluation for my child, [Child's Full Name], who is currently in [grade] at [School Name]. I am concerned about [briefly describe concerns, e.g., significant reading difficulties, attention and focus challenges, speech delays].

I understand this request starts a formal process under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Please confirm receipt of this letter and let me know the next steps.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Phone / Email] [Date]

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Key Rights to Remember

Right	What It Means
Right to request an evaluation	You may ask at any time — no permission needed (20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1))
Right to Prior Written Notice	School must explain decisions in writing (34 C.F.R. § 300.503)
Right to FAPE	Services provided at no cost to your family (20 U.S.C. § 1401(9))
Georgia's 60-day timeline	Evaluation must be completed within 60 calendar days of consent (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 160-4-7-.04)
Right to an IEE	You may request an independent evaluation if you disagree with results

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A Few Encouraging Words

Requesting an evaluation is not an act of confrontation — it is an act of advocacy. Most schools want to support children who are struggling; they simply need parents to formally open the door. By making your request in writing, knowing your rights, and staying engaged throughout the process, you are doing exactly what your child needs most: showing up for them.

You do not have to navigate this alone. Georgia's Parent Training and Information center, Parent to Parent of Georgia, and local special education advocacy organizations can provide free guidance and support at every stage.