What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) Under IDEA?

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the child’s school district. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents of children with disabilities have the right to request an IEE at public expense if they disagree with the school’s evaluation of their child. An IEE provides an additional perspective and can help guide decisions regarding the child's educational services and supports.

Why Request an IEE?

Parents may choose to request an IEE when they feel that the school’s evaluation of their child’s needs was incomplete, inaccurate, or did not provide sufficient information for educational planning. An IEE can help ensure that your child receives the services they are entitled to under their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. By obtaining an independent evaluation, you receive a second opinion that can inform the development of appropriate accommodations and educational interventions.

How to Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) in Philadelphia

If you’re considering requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) for your child in Philadelphia, here is the process:

1. Put Your Request in WritingTo request an IEE, you must submit a written request to your child’s school district. This letter should clearly state that you are requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation because you disagree with the district's evaluation. Be sure to include your child’s name, your contact information, and details about why you are requesting the IEE.

   Sample Request:

   • "Dear [School District], I am writing to formally request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense for my child, [Child's Name]. I disagree with the district's evaluation and believe an IEE is necessary to better understand my child's educational needs. Please provide me with information regarding the district's criteria for selecting an independent evaluator. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter."

2. Wait for a Response from the School DistrictAfter you submit your request, the school district has two options:

   • Approve the IEE: The district agrees to pay for the IEE, allowing you to choose a qualified evaluator who meets the district’s criteria.
   • File for a Due Process Hearing: The district can refuse the IEE, but they must initiate a due process hearing to demonstrate that their evaluation is appropriate.

3. Choose an Independent EvaluatorOnce the district approves the IEE, you will receive information about selecting an independent evaluator. It is essential to choose a qualified examiner who meets the district’s criteria and is familiar with conducting evaluations under the IDEA.

4. Complete the EvaluationThe independent evaluator will assess your child based on the area of concern, whether it’s occupational therapy, speech therapy, applied behavior analysis, or physical therapy. The evaluation process may involve interviews, observations, and standardized testing. The evaluator will compile a detailed report with findings and recommendations for your child’s educational program.

5. Review and Implement the IEE ResultsOnce the evaluation is completed, the independent evaluator will provide a report to you and the school district. The IEP team is required to consider the findings of the IEE when making decisions about your child’s educational plan, although they are not required to adopt the recommendations.

The IEE Process in Philadelphia

Here is an overview of the typical steps involved in the Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) process:

1. Initial School EvaluationYour child's school performs an evaluation to determine if they qualify for special education services under the IDEA. This evaluation is conducted by professionals employed by the district, such as school psychologists, therapists, or special education teachers.

2. Parent Review and DisagreementAfter reviewing the school's evaluation, you may feel that it does not adequately address your child’s needs. This can lead to a request for an IEE to provide a more comprehensive or alternative assessment.

3. Requesting the IEEYou must submit a written request for an IEE to the school district, stating your disagreement with the school’s evaluation. This initiates the IEE process, which either leads to approval of the IEE at public expense or a due process hearing.

4. Independent EvaluationOnce approved, you select a qualified independent evaluator. The evaluator conducts the assessment, which is focused on the specific areas of concern, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or behavioral analysis. The evaluation is often more thorough than the initial school evaluation, providing new insights into your child’s needs.

5. Results and IEP ReviewAfter the independent evaluation is completed, a report is provided to you and the school. The IEP team will meet to discuss the evaluation results and consider the recommendations in the IEP process.

Why Choose Amy McGinnis Behavioral Consulting for Your Philadelphia IEE?

At Amy McGinnis Behavioral Consulting, we specialize in conducting Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) in Philadelphia. We are committed to providing families with detailed, comprehensive evaluations that support the educational success of children with disabilities. Our experienced evaluators work closely with families to ensure that every evaluation addresses the unique needs of the child.

• Experienced Team: Our team consists of licensed professionals, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), and physical therapists, who are experts in conducting thorough and accurate evaluations under the IDEA.
• Comprehensive Reports: We provide detailed evaluation reports that include actionable recommendations to help guide your child’s educational services.
• Collaboration: We work closely with families and school districts to ensure that the findings of our evaluations are considered in the development of your child’s IEP.

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) in Philadelphia, or if you’d like more information about the IEE process, contact Amy McGinnis Behavioral Consulting today. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and ensure that your child gets the educational support they deserve.