How to Request a Special Education Evaluation in Illinois

If you suspect your child may need special education services, knowing how to request an IEP evaluation in Illinois is the single most powerful first step you can take. Under federal and Illinois law, you have the right to ask your school district to evaluate your child at no cost to you — and the district is required to respond. This guide walks you through the process from start to finish, in plain language.

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What Is a Special Education Evaluation?

A special education evaluation (also called an "initial evaluation" or "comprehensive evaluation") is a formal assessment to determine whether your child has a disability and, if so, whether that disability affects their ability to learn in school. It may include:

• Academic achievement and cognitive testing
• Speech and language assessments
• Occupational or physical therapy screenings
• Behavioral observations
• Review of records and teacher input

If the evaluation confirms eligibility, the school must develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to provide your child with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) — the right to a publicly funded education designed to meet their unique needs (20 U.S.C. § 1401(9); 34 C.F.R. § 300.17).

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Who Can Request an IEP Evaluation in Illinois?

Both parents and school staff can request an initial evaluation. You do not have to wait for a teacher or principal to bring it up. Federal law explicitly gives parents this right (20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.301). If you have concerns — whether your child is in preschool, elementary, middle, or high school — you can initiate the process yourself at any time.

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Step 1: Put Your Request in Writing

An oral request is valid, but a written request is strongly recommended because it:

• Creates a clear record with a date
• Starts the legal clock on the school's response timeline
• Reduces the risk of miscommunication

Address your letter to the special education director or building principal at your child's school. Keep a copy for your own records and consider sending it by email (so you have a timestamp) or certified mail.

Your written request should include:

• Your child's full name, date of birth, and school/grade
• A brief description of your concerns (academic struggles, speech delays, behavioral challenges, etc.)
• A clear statement that you are requesting a full and individual initial evaluation under IDEA
• Your contact information and preferred way to reach you

Sample opening line:

"I am writing to formally request a full and individual initial evaluation for my child, [Name], under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1), to determine whether they are eligible for special education and related services."

You don't need legal language beyond that — clear and simple works.

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Step 2: The District Must Respond with Prior Written Notice

After receiving your request, the school district must provide you with a Prior Written Notice (PWN) — a formal document that explains whether they agree to evaluate your child or refuse 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, the PWN will describe the assessments they plan to use. If the district refuses, the PWN must explain the reasons, the alternatives considered, and your rights to dispute that decision. A refusal is not the end of the road — you have options including requesting a mediation or a due process hearing.

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Step 3: Give Your Written Consent

Before any evaluation begins, the district must obtain your informed written consent. This means you:

• Understand what they plan to assess
• Voluntarily agree in writing
• Know you can revoke consent at any time before the evaluation is complete

Signing the consent form is what officially starts the evaluation timeline.

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Step 4: Know the Illinois Timeline — 60 School Days

This is one of the most important numbers to remember:

In Illinois, the district must complete the initial evaluation within 60 school days of receiving your signed consent (23 Ill. Admin. Code § 226.110(d)).

Note that this is school days, not calendar days — summer breaks, holidays, and days school is not in session do not count. For a request sent near the end of the school year, the clock may carry over into the next school year.

Keep a written log of key dates:

• Date you sent your written request
• Date the district responded with Prior Written Notice
• Date you signed and returned your consent form
• Expected 60-school-day deadline

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Step 5: Participate in the Evaluation Process

Once the evaluation is underway, stay engaged. You may:

• Provide input about your child's strengths and challenges at home
• Share reports from outside evaluators (private psychologists, therapists, doctors)
• Ask questions about which assessments are being used and why

The evaluation team is required to consider all information you provide.

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Step 6: Review the Evaluation Results and Next Steps

When the evaluation is complete, the school will schedule a meeting to review the results with you. There are two possible outcomes:

1. Your child is found eligible — The team moves forward with developing an IEP to address their needs.
2. Your child is found not eligible — The district must still provide you with a PWN explaining the decision. You have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the results.

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Tips for a Smooth Evaluation Process

• Be specific in your request. Instead of "my child is struggling," describe: "My child reads two grade levels below peers, avoids writing tasks, and has difficulty staying on task for more than five minutes."
• Ask for a copy of your parental rights. Illinois districts are required to give you a document called the "Explanation of Procedural Safeguards" — it's your roadmap to your rights.
• Keep everything in a folder. Dates, names, emails, and documents all matter if questions arise later.
• Bring a support person. You're allowed to bring a trusted friend, family member, or outside advocate to any meeting.
• Don't be discouraged by wait times. The 60-school-day rule exists to protect your child — if the deadline passes without explanation, you can raise this concern in writing with the special education director.

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A Note on High-Stakes Situations

If your request is refused without adequate reason, if timelines are significantly missed, or if you feel your child is being retaliated against for your advocacy, consider reaching out to a qualified special education attorney or advocate. Illinois also has a Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) — a federally funded resource that offers free guidance to families navigating the special education process.