You’ve noticed something. Your child is struggling in ways that classroom support isn’t fixing. Maybe the teacher has mentioned it. Maybe you’ve been watching it for months and waiting for someone to act.
Here’s what schools don’t always make clear: you don’t have to wait for the school to initiate an evaluation. You can request one yourself — in writing — today.
Once you make a written request, Arizona law starts the clock. The school has specific deadlines they must meet. This guide walks you through every step of requesting a special education evaluation in Arizona, including a template you can use right now.
What Is a Special Education Evaluation?
A special education evaluation is a comprehensive assessment to determine:
- Whether your child has a disability under IDEA
- How that disability affects their educational performance
- Whether they need special education services
The evaluation may include assessments in areas such as:
- Academic achievement and learning
- Cognitive/intellectual functioning
- Speech and language
- Occupational therapy / fine motor skills
- Behavioral and emotional functioning
- Physical or adaptive skills
The school assembles a multidisciplinary team to conduct the evaluation. You are part of that team.
Who Can Request a Special Education Evaluation in Arizona?
Any of the following can initiate a referral:
- Parent or guardian — the most common path
- School teacher or administrator — the school may initiate if they suspect a disability
- Other school personnel — counselors, school psychologists, support staff
- State agency — in limited circumstances
You do not need the school’s permission to request an evaluation. Under IDEA and Arizona state law, any parent has the right to submit a written evaluation request at any time.
Step 1: Write Your Request Letter
The most important thing to know: your request must be in writing.
A verbal request to a teacher or principal does not start the timeline. Only a written request does. This is not bureaucratic formality — it is legal protection.
Your letter does not need to be long. It does not need to use legal language. It simply needs to:
- State that you are requesting a special education evaluation
- Identify your child
- Describe your concerns briefly
Sample IEP Evaluation Request Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, AZ, ZIP]
[Date]
[Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, AZ, ZIP]
RE: Written Request for Special Education Evaluation — [Child’s Full Name], Grade [X]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request a comprehensive special education evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], currently enrolled in [grade/classroom] at [School Name].
I am concerned about the following areas that may be affecting [his/her/their] educational performance: [Describe your observations — examples below]
- Difficulty reading grade-level text despite extra support
- Significant challenges with attention and completing assignments
- Speech or language difficulties affecting communication and learning
- Behavioral or emotional challenges impacting classroom participation
- Struggles with fine motor skills, handwriting, or physical coordination
I am requesting that all areas of suspected disability be assessed, including [list relevant areas if known, such as: academic achievement, cognitive processing, speech-language, occupational therapy needs, behavioral/emotional functioning].
Please respond with the required Prior Written Notice and consent forms so that we may move forward without delay.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
How to deliver it: Email and hand-deliver or mail with delivery confirmation. Keep copies of everything. The goal is a clear, dated record that the school received your request.
Send it to:
- The school principal
- The special education director or coordinator (if you know who that is)
Step 2: The School Responds — What Happens Next
Once the school receives your written request, they must provide you with Prior Written Notice (PWN) explaining what they propose to do — either conduct the evaluation or explain why they’re refusing.
They must then ask for your written consent before beginning any assessments.
What to review when you receive the consent form:
- What specific assessments are planned?
- Are all areas of suspected disability included?
- Who will conduct each assessment?
If you believe key areas are missing (for example, they plan to assess academics but not behavior, and behavior is a major concern), write back and request those areas be added before you sign consent.
Arizona IEP Timeline: What Every Parent Needs to Know in 2026
Step 3: Arizona’s 60-Day Evaluation Timeline Begins
Once you sign and return the consent form, Arizona’s 60-calendar-day evaluation clock starts.
Within those 60 days, the school must:
- Complete all agreed-upon assessments
- Compile evaluation results
- Hold an eligibility determination meeting where the team reviews results and decides if your child qualifies for special education
Important: The 60-day clock runs on calendar days, not school days. School holidays and breaks can potentially pause the clock in limited circumstances, but don’t let the school use minor scheduling issues to push past the deadline.
Track the dates yourself. Mark day 60 on your calendar from the moment you sign the consent form.
Step 4: The Eligibility Meeting
At the eligibility meeting, you’ll sit with the evaluation team to review:
- Each assessment and what it found
- Whether your child meets eligibility criteria under one of IDEA’s disability categories
- How the disability, if present, affects educational performance
Bring these to the eligibility meeting:
- Notes from your own observations
- Any outside evaluations or medical records (pediatrician, private therapist notes)
- Questions about anything in the assessment reports you don’t understand
You have the right to ask questions, disagree with interpretations, and request additional assessments if you believe something was missed.
Step 5: If Your Child Qualifies — Next Steps
If the team determines your child is eligible, IEP development begins. Arizona requires the initial IEP to be developed and in place within 30 days of the eligibility determination.
Arizona IEP Timeline: What Every Parent Needs to Know in 2026
What to Do If the School Denies Your Evaluation Request
This happens. Schools sometimes say “we don’t believe an evaluation is warranted” or “your child is performing adequately.”
Here’s how to respond:
Step 1: Request Prior Written Notice
The school is required by law to provide you with written notice explaining why they are refusing the evaluation. If they haven’t provided this, request it immediately in writing.
The PWN must explain:
- What they are refusing to do
- Why they are refusing
- What other options they considered
- Procedural safeguards available to you
Step 2: Review the Refusal Carefully
Sometimes the denial is based on incomplete information. If the school says your child is “performing adequately,” but your child is struggling — consider whether you have outside documentation (pediatrician notes, private tutoring records, teacher communications) that counters that claim.
Step 3: Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
If you disagree with the school’s evaluation (or lack thereof), you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense. The district must either pay for the IEE or file for due process to defend their refusal.
Step 4: File a State Complaint
If the school refused to respond to your written request, failed to provide PWN, or violated other procedural requirements, file a State Complaint with the Arizona Department of Education. ADE must investigate and respond within 60 days.
Step 5: Request Mediation or Due Process
If substantive disagreement continues, you have the right to request mediation or file for due process. These are formal dispute resolution procedures that can compel schools to act.
Understanding Arizona Due Process: A Parent’s Guide to IEP Disputes
What If You’re Considering Homeschool or ESA Instead?
If the school has denied your evaluation request — or the experience has made you question whether public school is the right fit — Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program is worth knowing about. ESA allows families to exit the public school system and use state education funds for private tutoring, therapies, curriculum, and other approved expenses.
For families leaning toward homeschooling with specialized support, ESA can be a meaningful option. If you’re approved and working with a private tutor through Special Ed Resource, ESA funds can cover that tutoring — giving your child access to certified special education expertise even outside the public school system.
Important: ESA participation generally means giving up IDEA-based rights to district-provided services. It’s a significant trade-off that deserves careful consideration. Learn more at the Arizona Department of Education’s ESA page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I request an IEP evaluation in Arizona?
A: Submit a written request to your child’s school principal and special education coordinator. The letter should state you are requesting a special education evaluation and describe your concerns. Once received, the school has specific timelines to respond and, upon your consent, 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation.
Q: What happens after I request an IEP evaluation in Arizona?
A: The school provides Prior Written Notice explaining their response, then requests your written consent. Once you sign, the 60-day evaluation window begins. After evaluations are complete, the team holds an eligibility meeting to determine if your child qualifies for special education services.
Q: Can an Arizona school refuse to evaluate my child for special education?
A: Yes — but they must provide written Prior Written Notice explaining why. If you disagree, you can request an independent evaluation, file a state complaint with the ADE, or pursue mediation/due process.
Q: How long does an IEP evaluation take in Arizona?
A: From the date you provide written consent, Arizona schools have 60 calendar days to complete all evaluations and hold an eligibility meeting.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
The evaluation request process sounds simple — but it rarely is. Schools push back. Paperwork gets “lost.” Timelines slip. Evaluations miss critical areas.
At Special Ed Resource, our team of certified special education experts can help you:
- Write an effective evaluation request that protects your child’s rights
- Review evaluation reports before the eligibility meeting
- Prepare questions and talking points for every school meeting
- Advocate when the school isn’t following through
We’ve helped 1,500+ families across Arizona and the country navigate exactly this process.
Don’t wait for the school to do the right thing. Start the clock yourself.
Schedule a free consultation with our team →
Key Takeaways
- Write it down — your evaluation request must be in writing; verbal requests don’t start the timeline
- After you consent, Arizona schools have 60 calendar days to complete all evaluations
- Track the deadline yourself — don’t rely on the school to manage it
- If the school refuses, they must provide Prior Written Notice explaining why
- You have escalation options: IEE, state complaint, mediation, and due process
Sources: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), Arizona Revised Statutes § 15 766, Arizona Department of Education Exceptional Student Services
