Requesting an Initial Evaluation

It was evident from the age of 2 that our younger son had some challenges.  He began state-funded preschool at the age of 4 at our neighborhood elementary school.  He did okay, but struggled throughout his time in that classroom.  He had difficulty sitting, following directions, and often spoke out of turn.  By the end of the year we, as parents, knew an evaluation and diagnosis was necessary.

For our family, this is where our son's public education system let him down.  

By the summer of '14, though our son was only 4, he had several symptoms of ADHD.  Tics had also emerged that spring and we determined we needed to get the ball rolling to figure out what was going on.  We made the decision to start with our pediatrician's behavior clinic.

After meeting with us and observing him in the office, he referred us to a local psychologist for an evaluation.  This was an expense we had to incur, but we felt it was necessary and proceeded to schedule the appointment for early that fall.  

Prior to school starting, I met with our son's teacher.  I wanted to share the challenges our son had, as well as address what had now become very prevalent tics.  I informed her we had an upcoming private evaluation for suspected ADHD and that we would share those results once we had them.

Fast-forward to October.  Our son did meet the criteria for ADHD and was suspected of having some anxiety issues as well.  We took this information to the teacher and made the mistake of believing this would be taken at face value.  We verbally requested a 504 plan be created to provide accommodations suggested by the private psychologist.

It was ignored.    

This is where I'll pause with our story and share what we should have done at the time.  Though hindsight is 20/20, deep down inside I feel like this was a pivotal moment in the course of what the future held for our son and family.  The day we received that diagnosis, we should have followed the process outlined below.  

   

THE GOLDEN RULE:  ALWAYS PUT YOUR REQUEST IN WRITING.  Write a formal letter.  Be sure to address this to the principal, district special education coordinator, AEA special education coordinator, and the school superintendent.  

In this letter, include that you are giving consent for your child to have an initial evaluation and indicate that you expect a response within reasonable time.  I would suggest providing them with a concrete date, typically two weeks out.  Put that date in your calendar!  If you have not received a response, follow up.

Be sure to include your child's name, grade, school, and school district.  I like this example of a sample letter from the ASK website, which is a great resource for residents living in Iowa.  It is located on page 3.  It is to the point and sets the tone that you are familiar with the law and understand the rights of your child.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  ALWAYS KEEP COPIES OF CORRESPONDENCE.  Create a binder and keep your correspondence in order by date.  Include your request and all responses via email or letter you receive.  I would also suggest printing off all email exchanges pertaining to your child from any school or AEA personnel to keep them all in one place and in order.  You may also want to create a folder within your email account to keep these in as well.  

All of this may sound over-the-top, but it is important!

When this public education journey began for us, our child was struggling at school and had been since the previous year.  I believe the combination of being overwhelmed, frustrated, unfamiliar with the process, and trusting the school would do the right thing for our child set the tone for the challenges we have endured ever since.  Unfortunately, it has been at our son's expense.

I'll close with this:  NEVER feel bad advocating for your child.  Be professional, informed, and demonstrate you are ready and willing to work as a team to do what is best for your child.  Whether your journey is smooth or filled with rough waters, your child's future is being shaped.  

Believe in yourself and know you have supportive group out there willing and ready to help you navigate the waters.  You are not alone!