Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)
An independent educational evaluation (IEE) is a private evaluation of a student by a qualified examiner who does not work for the school district. Under IDEA, parents who disagree with a school’s evaluation can request an IEE at public expense. We Care Support Services provides IEEs for students in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Palm Beach and Martin county schools.
Navigating special education can be hard, especially when you feel the school’s evaluation missed your child’s needs. Our licensed clinicians act as a neutral third party. Call (877) 302-5628.
Our team of licensed psychologists and educational consultants serves as a neutral third party, providing the expertise needed to secure appropriate services and accommodations for your child.
What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a private assessment conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the public school district. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have the right to request an IEE at public expense if they disagree with the evaluation conducted by the school district.
An IEE provides a fresh, unbiased look at a student’s learning profile, identifying disabilities such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, or processing deficits that may have been overlooked.
When Should You Consider an IEE?
Parents often seek our services when:
- Disagreement with Results: The school’s testing says your child is “fine,” but you still see significant struggles at home or with homework.
- Incomplete Testing: You feel the school did not evaluate all areas of suspected disability (e.g., they tested for reading but ignored anxiety or attention issues).
- Denied Services: Your child was found ineligible for an IEP or 504 Plan, and you believe this decision was incorrect.
- Lack of Progress: Your child has an IEP but is not making meaningful progress toward their goals.
Our IEE Process
We are committed to providing a comprehensive picture of your child’s abilities. Our process is thorough and collaborative:
1. Review of Records
We carefully examine your child’s educational history, previous evaluations, report cards, and IEP/504 documents to understand the background of the disagreement.
2. Comprehensive Testing
We utilize a wide battery of standardized tests to assess cognitive ability, academic achievement, information processing, and social-emotional functioning. We dig deeper than standard school screenings.
3. Classroom Observation
When necessary, we observe the student in their learning environment to see how they interact with peers and instruction in real-time.
4. Detailed Reporting
Our reports are written to be clear, legally defensible, and actionable. We don’t just list scores; we explain what they mean for your child’s daily learning.
5. Advocacy & Recommendations
We provide specific, evidence-based recommendations for educational programming, specialized instruction, and accommodations. We can also attend IEP meetings to present our findings to the school team.
Why Choose We Care Support?
Our goal is to ensure every child has access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
- Unbiased Expertise: We work for the child, not the school district. Our only agenda is accuracy.
- Qualified Clinicians: Our evaluators are licensed psychologists with extensive experience in school psychology and special education law.
- Collaborative Approach: We bridge the gap between families and schools, helping to rebuild trust and focus on the student’s success.
- Local Presence: We conduct evaluations throughout Central and South Florida, including Orlando and Palm Beach County.
Request an IEE
If you have been granted an IEE by your school district or wish to pursue a private educational evaluation, we are here to help.
Contact We Care Support today to discuss your child’s needs and our evaluation availability.
How to request an IEE at public expense in Florida
- Put it in writing. Tell the school district, in writing, that you disagree with its evaluation and are requesting an IEE at public expense. You do not have to explain why.
- The district must respond without unnecessary delay. Under federal rule 34 CFR 300.502 and Florida Rule 6A-6.03311, the district must either agree to pay for the IEE or file for a due process hearing to show its evaluation was appropriate.
- Choose a qualified evaluator who meets the district’s criteria. The district will share its criteria and may provide a list, but you can choose an examiner who meets them.
- The school team must consider the results in any decision about your child’s free appropriate public education (FAPE).
You are entitled to one IEE at public expense each time the district conducts an evaluation you disagree with. You can also get a private evaluation at your own expense at any time.
How long does an IEE take?
Most IEEs include a records review, a parent interview, one or two testing sessions, a classroom observation when needed, and a feedback meeting. A comprehensive evaluation typically totals 12 to 18 billable hours. We work with the district’s timelines and can attend the IEP meeting to present results.
What the IEE report includes
- Cognitive ability, academic achievement, processing skills and social-emotional functioning, as relevant.
- Whether the student meets Florida eligibility criteria for exceptional student education, for example specific learning disability, autism spectrum disorder or other health impairment (such as ADHD).
- Specific, measurable recommendations for specially designed instruction, accommodations and related services.
Cost
If the district agrees to an IEE at public expense, the district pays. For a private evaluation, our rate is $160 per hour. Health insurance usually does not cover educational evaluations. See rates and insurance.
Where we offer IEEs
Testing takes place at our Orlando, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens offices. For advocacy at IEP and 504 meetings, see our educational consultant and disability advocate services.
IEE FAQs
Does the school have to accept the IEE results?
The school must consider them, but it does not have to adopt every recommendation. A clear, well-supported report makes it much harder to disregard.
Can I get an IEE if my child is in a private school or homeschooled?
The right to an IEE at public expense relates to an evaluation done by the public school district. If the district evaluated your child, the right can apply. Otherwise, a private evaluation is an option.
Can you evaluate for dyslexia, ADHD and autism in one IEE?
Yes. We assess all areas of suspected disability so nothing is missed.
Will you attend the IEP meeting?
Yes, we can attend in person or virtually to explain the findings to the team.
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specially designed instruction under IDEA; a 504 plan provides accommodations under Section 504. Read IEP vs 504 plan in Florida.
Articles on this topic
- When to Request an Independent Educational Evaluation in Florida: 7 Signs the School Evaluation May Be Incomplete
- IEP vs. 504 Plan in Florida: What Parents Need to Know
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education. 34 CFR 300.502: independent educational evaluation.
- Florida Department of State. Rule 6A-6.03311, F.A.C.: procedural safeguards for exceptional students.
- Florida Department of Education. Exceptional student education.