Your child is having trouble in school. Someone notices — maybe you, maybe a teacher. You both want your child to do well and overcome learning difficulties of school.
The first step is to evaluate your child to find out what is causing him to have problems:
- Using what’s already known. The group of people (including you) evaluating your child looks at what information is already available about him. Does the group need more? If so, the school must collect it.
- Collecting more information.The school asks for your permission to evaluate your child. You give informed written permission. The school then collects more information about your child.
- Deciding your child’s eligibility. Is your child eligible for special education and related services? Based on the evaluation results, the group of school professionals and you decide whether there are special needs resources that would help.
- Developing your child’s educational program. If your child is eligible, you and the school will develop an educational program to meet your child’s needs. It will identify which special needs activities are warranted.
From "Basics for Parents: Your Child’s Evaluation." Used with permission of the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY).