There are two steps that may follow an evaluation. First, the team that evaluates your child will offer their recommendation about whether your child has a disability, and if so, whether your child’s disability requires special education and related services.
If your child has a disability and needs supports and services to progress, the second step will be to develop your child’s IEP or IFSP. This will involve decisions about what, how, when, and where your child will receive services and supports and who will provide them. You have the right and play an important role in making these decisions as well as decisions about your child’s educational placement.
If you disagree with your child’s evaluation, you should talk with the other team members about your concerns. Don’t sign the IEP or IFSP documents if you do not agree with the recommendations. If the disagreements cannot be resolved by talking directly with the other team members, you may be entitled to have your concerns heard by an impartial person – someone who helps to resolve the disagreement between the family and the school. You can begin this process by putting your concerns in writing to the team. The team must first work with you to resolve differences, but if agreement cannot be reached through negotiation, the team will bring in an impartial hearing officer who is registered with your state.
