Academics · Subject Resources

Ready for the evaluation,
and on the clock.

A family asking for a special education evaluation has more rights than most realize, and most of them depend on dates: when the request went in, when consent was signed, when the timeline runs out. Add each evaluation with those dates. The checklist works out the days left, tracks ten preparation steps and flags a clock that is close or past.

Add an evaluationWhat you get

Evaluations

The worked example is made up: a second grader ten days from the end of a 60-day timeline, a sixth grader’s reevaluation with no copy of the consent and a ninth grader still waiting for a consent form 16 days after asking. Saved on this device only.

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What you get

Academics · Subject ResourcesFree

What you finish with
A record per evaluation: child initials, grade, kind, request date, consent date, timeline in days, concerns in your words and ten preparation steps. Works out days since consent, days left and the end date; lists evaluations with days left; flags a timeline near its end or past, no consent form after a request, no copy of consent, no written request and no written notice after a refusal.
Who it is for
Parents and caregivers asking a public school to evaluate a child for special education or related services.
Format
Browser checklist with a saved record per evaluation. Prints one evaluation to bring to meetings, every evaluation in a table or a blank checklist; downloads a spreadsheet (.csv); exports and imports a file.
Access
Free. No account, no sign-in and nothing to install. Everything you type stays in this browser; nothing is sent to Caveat.
Where it lives
The Subject Resources space in Caveat Academics.
Support
Questions about access, an order or a correction: team@caveatacademic.com.

How to use it

  1. Send your request in writing and date it.
  2. Keep a copy of the consent you sign.
  3. Write down what you see at home.
  4. Gather work samples and outside reports.
  5. Watch the days left in the flags.

Add an evaluation

How the process runs

A school evaluation, step by step1Ask in writingDate it; keep a copy.2ConsentThe school sends a plan; yousign. The clock starts.3TestingWithin 60 days, or yourstate’s timeline.4Results meetingYou get the report and canbring questions.5EligibilityThe team decides, with you onit.6If you disagreeYou can ask for an independentevaluation.A school evaluation, step by step1Ask in writingDate it; keep a copy.2ConsentThe school sends a plan; you sign. Theclock starts.3TestingWithin 60 days, or your state’stimeline.4Results meetingYou get the report and can bringquestions.5EligibilityThe team decides, with you on it.6If you disagreeYou can ask for an independentevaluation.
Federal special education rules (IDEA). Your state may set a shorter timeline or count school days.

The 60 days

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, an initial evaluation must be done within 60 days of the school receiving a parent’s consent, unless the state sets its own timeline. Several states use a different number or count school days only; enter your state’s number in the form.

If the school says no

If the school refuses to evaluate, it must give you prior written notice explaining why and what it considered. You can then use the dispute options in your procedural safeguards notice, which the school must also give you.

Sources

  1. IDEA regulations, 34 CFR 300.301 (initial evaluations and the 60-day timeline), 300.303 (reevaluations), 300.502 (independent educational evaluation) and 300.503 (prior written notice) (ecfr.gov).
  2. U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. Parent rights and procedural safeguards (sites.ed.gov/idea).
  3. Center for Parent Information and Resources. Evaluating school-aged children for disability (parentcenterhub.org).
  4. U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. Section 504 evaluations, frequently asked questions (ed.gov/ocr).

The worked example is made up. This checklist is not legal advice; your state’s parent training center can help with your situation. Nothing you type is sent to Caveat. Support: team@caveatacademic.com.