Requesting an Individualized Education Program (IEP) evaluation for your child is a crucial step in ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive in their education. A well-crafted IEP request letter clearly communicates your concerns and initiates the formal process. This article provides insights into writing an effective letter and presents nine sample letters to guide you.
An IEP request letter is more than just a formality; it’s your opportunity to articulate your observations about your child’s academic or developmental challenges. Be specific about areas of concern, such as reading comprehension, math skills, or social-emotional development. Documenting specific examples strengthens your request and provides the school with valuable context.
When composing your letter, maintain a professional and respectful tone. Address the letter to the appropriate school personnel, usually the principal, special education director, or your child’s teacher. Clearly state your request for an IEP evaluation and briefly outline the reasons behind your request. Keep the language concise and easy to understand.
Remember to include your child’s full name, date of birth, grade level, and contact information. Express your willingness to collaborate with the school to support your child’s educational needs. Offer to provide any relevant documentation, such as previous evaluations or medical records. Sign and date the letter, and keep a copy for your records.
9 Sample IEP Request Letters
Sample Letter 1
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], who is in [Grade Level] grade at [School Name]. I have observed that [Child’s Name] is struggling with [Specific area of concern, e.g., reading comprehension]. For example, [Give a specific example].
I believe an IEP evaluation would help determine if [Child’s Name] requires special education services to succeed academically. I am available to meet with the school team to discuss my concerns further. Please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Special Education Director’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for Initial IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Special Education Director’s Name],
This letter serves as a formal request for an initial evaluation to determine my child, [Child’s Name]‘s, eligibility for special education services. [Child’s Name] is currently in [Grade Level] at [School Name]. We have noticed significant difficulties with [Specific concern, e.g., math fluency]. Specifically, [Give example, e.g., completing basic addition and subtraction problems within a reasonable timeframe].
We are concerned that these difficulties are impacting [Child’s Name]‘s overall academic progress. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further with you and the relevant school personnel. We are available to meet at your convenience. We can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Teacher’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Name] – Teacher Observation
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I am writing to you today as [Child’s Name]‘s parent, regarding my concerns about their progress in your [Subject] class. [Child’s Name], who is in [Grade Level], has expressed difficulty with [Specific Concern, e.g., writing assignments]. I also understand from our conversations that you have observed [Mention specific observation from teacher, e.g., difficulty organizing thoughts in writing].
Given these challenges, I am requesting a formal evaluation for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). I believe this would help identify any underlying learning disabilities and provide the appropriate support to help [Child’s Name] succeed in your class and beyond. I am happy to provide any additional information or documentation that may be helpful. Please let me know the next steps in this process.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Re-Evaluation for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to request a re-evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], who is currently receiving special education services under an existing IEP. [Child’s Name] is in [Grade Level] at [School Name]. While we appreciate the support [Child’s Name] has received, we believe their needs have changed and that a re-evaluation is necessary to ensure the IEP continues to be appropriate.
Specifically, we have observed [State changes in behavior or academic performance, e.g., increased frustration with homework, regression in reading skills]. We would like to discuss these concerns with the IEP team and explore adjustments to the current plan. Please let us know the timeline for conducting a re-evaluation and scheduling an IEP meeting.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Special Education Director’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Special Education Director’s Name],
This letter is to formally request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) for my child, [Child’s Name], who is currently a student in [Grade Level] at [School Name] and has an existing IEP. We are requesting an IEE because we disagree with the findings of the school’s recent evaluation, specifically regarding [State the specific area of disagreement, e.g., the assessment of their reading comprehension skills].
As parents, we have the right to obtain an IEE at public expense if we disagree with the school’s evaluation. We would appreciate it if you could provide us with a list of qualified and approved evaluators for [Specific Area of Evaluation]. We understand we may be responsible for the cost if we choose an evaluator not on the school’s approved list. Please let us know the process for requesting reimbursement for the IEE. We look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation Based on Medical Diagnosis – [Child’s Name]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], who is in [Grade Level] grade at [School Name]. Recently, [Child’s Name] was diagnosed with [Medical Diagnosis, e.g., ADHD] by [Doctor’s Name]. The diagnosis is impacting [Child’s Name]‘s ability to [Specific area impacted, e.g., focus in class and complete assignments]. I have attached a copy of the doctor’s report for your review.
Based on this diagnosis and its impact on [Child’s Name]‘s academic performance, I am requesting an IEP evaluation to determine the appropriate educational support and accommodations. I am available to meet with you and the school team to discuss this further. Please contact me to schedule a meeting.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Special Education Coordinator’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Special Education Coordinator’s Name],
I am writing to request a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) for my child, [Child’s Name], who is currently in [Grade Level] at [School Name] and has an existing IEP. We have observed an increase in [Specify concerning behavior, e.g., disruptive behavior in the classroom]. Specifically, [Give details, e.g., frequent outbursts and difficulty following instructions]. These behaviors are impacting [Child’s Name]‘s learning and the learning of other students in the classroom.
We believe that an FBA would help identify the triggers and functions of these behaviors, allowing the IEP team to develop a more effective behavior intervention plan. We are available to participate in the FBA process and collaborate with the school to address these concerns. Please advise on the next steps involved in conducting an FBA.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Meeting to Discuss [Child’s Name]’s Progress
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to request an IEP meeting to discuss my child, [Child’s Name]‘s, progress on their current IEP. [Child’s Name] is in [Grade Level] at [School Name]. We would like to review [Child’s Name]‘s progress towards their IEP goals, discuss any concerns we have, and explore potential adjustments to the IEP as needed. Specifically, we are concerned about [Specific concern, e.g., their lack of progress in reading fluency].
Please let me know what dates and times are available for an IEP meeting within the next two weeks. I am available on [List available days/times]. I look forward to discussing this with you and the IEP team.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Director of Special Education’s Name]
[School District Name]
[School District Address]
Subject: Formal Request for IEP Mediation for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Director of Special Education’s Name],
This letter serves as a formal request for IEP mediation regarding the ongoing disagreements surrounding the development and implementation of my child, [Child’s Name]‘s, IEP. [Child’s Name] is currently a [Grade Level] student at [School Name]. Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to reach a mutually agreeable resolution on several key issues, including [List specific points of disagreement, e.g., appropriate placement, related services, and measurable goals]. We believe mediation will provide a neutral forum to facilitate a constructive dialogue and find a resolution that best serves [Child’s Name]‘s educational needs.
We request that you initiate the process for scheduling a mediation session as soon as possible. We are available to discuss this further at your convenience. Please provide information on the available mediators and the procedures involved in the mediation process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling IEP request letter is a vital first step in advocating for your child’s educational needs. Use these sample letters as templates, tailoring them to your specific circumstances and concerns. Remember to be clear, concise, and professional in your communication. By actively participating in the IEP process, you can help ensure your child receives the appropriate support and services to reach their full potential.
