Requesting a Special Education Evaluation

CHILD FIND for Special Education Services

Parents can request a case study evaluation by putting the request in writing.  Written requests should be sent to the assistant superindendent for student services.

District 118 has systems in place to identify students within the district who have disabilities that impact their academic progress significantly.

A parent or a staff member, can refer a student to the Wauconda Student Assistance Team (WSAT) for academic or social-emotional concerns.

Team members, (including teachers, counselors, support staff, parents and students), may develop and implement interventions and strategies to address student needs. If strategies and interventions have adequately met the needs of a student, the student will likely not require additional layers of problem-solving and will remain in the least restrictive environment.

If the interventions indicate that more support is needed, an evaluation for special education is considered.

What is "Child Find"?

Child Find is a legal requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that mandates public school districts to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities—regardless of the severity—who may need special education services.

This includes:

• Children enrolled in public schools

• Children in private schools

• Homeschoolers

• Preschool-aged children

• Children who are highly mobile, such as migrant or homeless youth

Child Find & Private Schools

Public school districts have a responsibility to locate and evaluate students with disabilities enrolled in private schools within their district’s geographic boundaries, even if those students reside in another district.

What this means for private school students:

• The local public school district (not the private school) is responsible for conducting the evaluation at no cost to the family.

• If a child is found eligible, they do not automatically receive an IEP. Instead, they may be offered an Individual Services Plan (ISP) based on available federal funding and equitable services provisions.

• Parents still retain the right to enroll their child in public school to receive full IDEA services if they prefer.

How Parents Can Initiate Child Find:

1. Submit a written request for evaluation to the Assistant Superintendent of Special Services. Sample Parent Letter- Written Request for Special Education Evaluation

2. The district must respond in a timely manner and, if warranted, begin the evaluation process with parental consent.

3. An eligibility meeting will follow, where the team discusses the results and determines appropriate supports.

Steps for Parents to Request a Special Education Evaluation

1. Submit a Written Request
   Parents must submit a formal, written request to the school, asking for an evaluation to determine if their child is eligible for special education services. This can be sent to the principal, school psychologist, or special education coordinator.Sample Parent Letter- Written Request for Special Education Evaluation
   
   

2. Include Key Information
   The request should include:

   • The reason for the evaluation (academic, behavioral, social concerns, etc.)

   • Any supporting documentation (medical reports, past assessments, teacher feedback)

   • The specific areas of concern (e.g., reading difficulties, attention, speech)
     
     

3. Receive Confirmation and Consent Form
   The school is required to respond, typically within 10–15 school days, depending on state laws. If they agree to evaluate, parents will receive a consent form.
   Note: The school *cannot start the evaluation without signed parental consent.
   
   

4. Provide Consent
   Parents must sign and return the consent form promptly to initiate the evaluation process.
   
   

5. Evaluation Process Begins
   Once consent is received, the school has a set number of days (often 60 calendar days) to complete the evaluation.
   
   

6. Participate in the Eligibility Meeting
   After the evaluation is complete, the school will hold a meeting with the parents to review results and determine if the child is eligible for special education services.

 7. Review the IEP (if eligible)

•  If the child qualifies, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed. Parents are key participants in this process.

Request to Access Classroom or Personnel for Special Education Evaluation or Observation

The parent/guardian of a student receiving special education services, or being evaluated for eligibility, is afforded reasonable access to educational facilities, personnel, classrooms, and buildings.  This same right of access is afforded to an independent educational evaluator or a qualified professional retained by or on behalf of a parent or child. For further information, please contact the building principal.