School & Education

A child must be tested to get special education services. First, you need to consent When someone gives permission for someone else to do something to testing. Then, the school district has 60 school days to complete a full and individualized evaluation.

How does the evaluation process work?

The school must test the student in all areas of suspected disability A substantial impairment that functionally limits a person in carrying out major life activities, such as walking, lifting, seeing, or learning. . A variety of testing tools must be used. Information should be collected in different ways, such as through tests, interviews, and observations. Information should also come from different people, including you as the parent, your child, teachers, and specialists.

Testing must be done in your child’s native language or mode of communication. That way, the school can get an accurate picture of your child’s abilities.

When the evaluation is done, the school will hold a meeting to review the results. This meeting must be held within 60 school days from when you signed consent.

Evaluation reports include a lot of information. Ask for a copy of the report before the meeting. Generally, the school must provide you with copies of the materials at least 3 days before the meeting. This helps ensure you can fully participate in the meeting.

During the meeting, you and the school will discuss the evaluation results and whether your child is eligible. If your child is eligible, an Individualized Education Program or IEP will be written. The test results can help the team develop a plan for your child.

What are the eligibility criteria for special education services?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) lists 14 disability categories. To be eligible for services, your child must fit into at least one of these categories. Your child’s disability must also adversely affect their education so that they need special education. 

The 14 qualifying disability categories are:

• Autism,
• Deaf-blindness,
• Deafness,
• Developmental delay (applies to children from 3 through 9 years of age),
• Emotional disability,
• Hearing When the parties in a case present their sides of a case to a judge or other officer impairment,
• Intellectual disability,
• Multiple disabilities,
• Orthopedic impairment,
• Other health impairment,
• Specific learning disability,
• Speech or language impairment,
• Traumatic brain injury, and
• Visual impairment.

Learn more about each category in Chapters 4 and 5 of the Illinois State Board of Education’s Parent Guide. The guide also has detailed information about specific learning disabilities.

What happens after the evaluation?

If your child is eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be written. The IEP will note the specialized instruction, therapies, and accommodations your child needs. Learn more about setting up an IEP.

If your child is not found eligible and you disagree, you can write a statement of disagreement. Give a written copy of this statement to the school. This statement should be included as part of the evaluation team’s report.

You can also appeal A request to change a court's decision if you disagree with the school's decision that your child is not eligible for special education services. You can appeal by:

• requesting mediation, or
• filing for due process.  

If my child doesn’t qualify, are there other options for help?

If your child does not qualify for special education, you can consider asking for help under a 504 plan.