Funding an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) | Understanding IEE Costs

At Amy McGinnis Behavioral Consulting, we understand that families often have concerns about the cost of an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). Whether you’re seeking an IEE to clarify your child’s educational needs or to get a second opinion on the school district’s evaluation, understanding the funding options available for IEEs can help you make informed decisions.

What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) Cost?

The cost of an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) can vary depending on several factors, including the type of evaluation, the complexity of your child’s needs, and the expertise of the independent evaluator. Costs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on whether the evaluation is for Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy (ST), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), or Physical Therapy (PT).

Can the School District Pay for the IEE?

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have the right to request that the school district fund an IEE at public expense if they disagree with the results of the district’s evaluation. Here’s how funding through the school district works:

1. Requesting an IEE at Public ExpenseIf you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you have the right to request an IEE at public expense. This means that the school district would cover the cost of the IEE. You must submit a written request to the school district explaining that you disagree with their evaluation and are requesting an IEE.

2. District ResponseThe school district may approve your request and agree to pay for the IEE, or they may file for a due process hearing to demonstrate that their evaluation was appropriate. If the district agrees to fund the IEE, they will provide you with information on how to select an independent evaluator.

3. Selection of an EvaluatorOnce the district agrees to pay for the IEE, you can choose an independent evaluator who meets the district’s criteria. The school district cannot impose unreasonable restrictions on your choice, but they may have specific guidelines for approved evaluators.

4. Costs Covered by the DistrictWhen the IEE is funded at public expense, the district typically covers the entire cost of the evaluation, including the assessment, report, and any necessary observations or testing. Be sure to clarify with the district what specific costs they will cover.

Paying for an IEE Privately

In some cases, parents choose to pay for an IEE privately, either because they do not want to go through the school district or because they want to have more control over the selection of the evaluator. If you decide to pursue a privately funded IEE, here’s what you need to know about costs:

• Out-of-Pocket Costs: The full cost of the IEE will be your responsibility. These costs can vary widely depending on the type of evaluation and the evaluator’s rates. For example, an evaluation for Speech Therapy may have different costs compared to an evaluation for Occupational Therapy or Applied Behavior Analysis.

Factors Affecting the Cost of an IEE

Several factors can impact the cost of an IEE:

• Type of Evaluation: The specific area of evaluation will influence the cost. For example, a comprehensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) evaluation may involve more time and resources than a Speech Therapy evaluation.

• Complexity of the Case: If your child has complex needs or multiple areas of concern, the evaluation may require more in-depth assessments, which can increase the cost.

• Location and Evaluator Expertise: Evaluators with specialized expertise or those located in high-demand areas like Philadelphia may charge higher rates for their services. It’s important to choose an evaluator who is experienced and qualified to assess your child’s specific needs.

Why Choose Amy McGinnis Behavioral Consulting for Your IEE?

At Amy McGinnis Behavioral Consulting, we are committed to providing high-quality, thorough, and unbiased Independent Educational Evaluations. We understand that funding an IEE can be a significant concern for families, which is why we offer clear information about costs and work with you to navigate the IEE process, whether it’s funded by the school district or privately.

• Transparency in Costs: We provide detailed information about the costs of our evaluations upfront so you can make informed decisions.
• Experienced Evaluators: Our team of licensed professionals includes Occupational Therapists (OTs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), and Physical Therapists (PTs) who specialize in working with children with developmental disabilities and learning challenges.
• Comprehensive Evaluations: We offer a range of evaluations that address a wide variety of needs, including gross motor skills, language development, sensory processing, behavior analysis, and more.

Contact Us Today

If you have questions about the cost of an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) or would like more information about funding options, contact Amy McGinnis Behavioral Consulting today. We’re here to guide you through the process and help you secure the best possible outcomes for your child.