Write a formal letter to the director of special education in your child's school district requesting an IEP. Include your child's full name in the letter along with the current date. It is imperative that you date the letter because once the district receives it, by law, administrators have 30 calendar days to hold an IEP meeting. School holidays, including Christmas, Thanksgiving and President's Day do not count toward the 30-day time limit.
Tell the administrator in the letter that you're requesting a meeting as soon as possible and describe any current or ongoing problems with your child, like a new diagnosis or changes in her behavior. If you're child isn't progressing in school like she should be, make note of that in the letter. You do not have to pay for any special research prior to writing an IEP letter. Administrator's have access to your child's records, including grades, discipline reports and health history.
Request that your child's skills be tested or re-tested because you suspect he has a learning disability. By law, school districts can only test children for special needs once they receive parent approval. Testing your child's IQ is done at no cost to parents.
Give the director a time and day that works best for you for a meeting in the letter. Provide as many dates and times as possible. Remind the director that the meeting must take place within 30 days of receiving the letter.
Request other people be present at the meeting. For example, invite your child's teachers, the school nurse, counselors or school psychologist. Invite anyone who directly works with your child while in school.
Wait to hear back from the district. You will be notified of an assessment date. If your child is school-aged, testing will take place during the school day. If you're child is not in school yet, testing will most likely take place at your home or at your child's preschool or daycare. When you meet with school officials, you will learn the results of the assessment and how your child's skill level, behavior and social interaction compares to other children the same age.