Get a Second Opinion with an Independent Education Evaluation
Updated: Aug 11
Let's answer these 3 questions first:
Does your child attend school?
Has your child had an evaluation for special education services through the school district within the past 2 years?
Do you disagree with the evaluation or would you like a second-opinion from someone not employed by the school district?
If you answered "YES" to the 3 questions, then learning more about the Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) process is your next step. Schedule a quick call so we can talk more or keep reading for more information.
What is an IEE?
Basically an IEE is a second opinion.
Under the IDEA act, parents have a right to an independent educational evaluation at the districts expense if the parent disagrees with a school district's evaluation.
Why Would a Parent Request an IEE?
If you disagree with the findings of the evaluation (not eligible when you believe the criteria should be met).
If you feel the school assessment did not assess a particular area.
If you do not think the assessment was completed properly.
Who Pays for an IEE?
The School District is 100% responsible for the expenses of the IEE so that the expenses are not "unreasonable"
The Agency completing the IEE will coordinate costs and approval with the district prior to scheduling the IEE so that there are no financial surprises to you.
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) also states the IEE must include “[reasonable] expenses incurred by the parent for travel, meals, and lodging if an overnight trip is necessary.
Who Can Complete an IEE?
The IEE must be completed by a qualified evaluator who is not employed by the school district responsible for the education of the child.
The evaluators at the Arizona Pediatric Assessment Center are qualified evaluators for IEE's.
Does A Parent Have to Tell WHY They Object the School's Evaluation?
No! While the school may ask, they cannot require the parent to provide an explanation and may not unreasonably delay the decision to approve the IEE.
ALRIGHT! I'M READY - HOW DO I REQUEST AN IEE FOR MY CHILD?
This is where the clinical team at the Arizona Pediatric Assessment Center will guide you along in the process.
Your first step is to set up a free 15-minute phone consult to talk more about your concerns and goals for the assessment. During this call we will:
Walk you through the simple steps to follow to formally request an IEE
Tentatively schedule the parent intake (typically within two weeks)
Obtain your contact information so we can open access to our patient portal
Let us know in the comments below what your IEE experience has been and if you have any specific questions that we can answer.
Maylin Griffiths, Ph.D
Licensed Clinical Psychologist