At an evaluation, a small group of specialists use a variety of assessments, observations and information provided by you to determine if your child is eligible for services. The specialists include a school psychologist and additional professionals such as a special education teacher, or a physical, occupational or speech therapist based on your area of concern.
A full evaluation, as required by regulations set for all school districts, includes a social history (simple background information regarding your child), a psychological evaluation (assessing your child's learning and interaction styles), and a physical examination (you are generally given a medical record release form to be filled out by your child's primary care physician). Additional evaluations, such as educational, speech, occupational or physical therapy may be performed to determine if your child is eligible for any related services.
The full evaluation may last two or more hours and parents can stay in the room with their child.
There is no cost for your family.
After the evaluation, the evaluation team sends a copy of the report and summary to you, the CPSE administrator and to the county representative.