The second way to start the assessment processes is through the parent’s request for a special education assessment. This request should be made in writing, so the legal timelines start.
And the assessment request should outline the struggles and difficulties that the child is experiencing. Maybe this information comes from the parent who works with the child on academics at home. Or maybe this information comes from the child’s teacher who sees that the child is struggling in reading, writing or math. Or maybe the teacher sees behavior issues, or emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. Or maybe the child’s pediatrician or psychologist diagnoses the child with autism. So, include all of this information in the letter.
Once the parent writes a letter to the school district requesting a special education assessment, the school must either start the assessment process by sending the parent an assessment plan, or give the parent prior written notice whether not going to assess. They can’t simply ignore the request; they can’t write a letter back to the parent saying we’re too busy.
If they write a letter to the parent (called prior written notice) stating that they don’t believe the child needs an assessment, it’s a pretty difficult position to defend. If a parent requests a special education assessment, it’s typically because the parent sees their child experiencing school problems. And the standard for assessment is very broad. It’s not just the child will be eligible, but whether there’s a suspected disability leading to eligibility. So, the school response of prior written notice that there’s no grounds for assessment might be a difficult position to defend.
The parent’s written request for an assessment starts a procedural timeline whereby in California, the school has five days to get an assessment plan to the parent. The parent then reviews the plan for any changes.
Once the parent signs and returns the assessment plan to the school district, the school has 60 calendar days to do all of their assessments and hold the IEP team meeting.
Now the school may have some additional time when it comes to school breaks and summer breaks, generally, it’s 60 calendar days.
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