Requesting an Evaluation
in East Ramapo CSD

Requesting a District Evaluation in East Ramapo CSD

To request a special education evaluation for your child in East Ramapo CSD, you must submit a written request to the district's Committee on Special Education (CSE). This request should clearly state your concerns about your child's educational performance and suspected disability. Include specific examples of academic or behavioral challenges. It is beneficial to keep a copy of your request and any related correspondence.

Your request should include:

• Your child's full name and date of birth
• Your contact information (address, phone number, email)
• A clear statement requesting a special education evaluation
• Specific concerns about your child's academic, social, or emotional development
• Any relevant medical or educational history

New York State's 60 School Day Evaluation Timeline

New York State regulations require that a special education evaluation be completed within 60 school days after the district receives your consent to evaluate. This timeline includes conducting the evaluations, holding a CSE meeting to discuss the results, and developing an IEP (if your child is found eligible for special education services).

If the East Ramapo CSD fails to meet this timeline, you have the right to file a complaint with the New York State Education Department. Document all communication and keep track of the dates to ensure compliance. If the district does not complete the evaluation in a timely manner, they must inform you of the reasons for the delay and the expected completion date.

Your Right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

You have the right to obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the district's evaluation. An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by the East Ramapo CSD. To request an IEE at public expense, you must notify the district in writing that you disagree with their evaluation and request an IEE.

The East Ramapo CSD then has the option to either:

1. Fund the IEE
2. Initiate an impartial hearing to demonstrate that its evaluation was appropriate.

If the hearing officer determines that the district's evaluation was appropriate, you still have the right to an IEE, but you will have to pay for it yourself. The results of any IEE, whether publicly or privately funded, must be considered by the CSE.

Types of Evaluations to Request

Depending on your child's needs, you may want to request specific types of evaluations:

• Neuropsychological Evaluation: Assesses cognitive functioning, learning disabilities, and attention deficits.
• Speech and Language Evaluation: Assesses communication skills, articulation, and language comprehension.
• Occupational Therapy (OT) Evaluation: Assesses fine motor skills, sensory processing, and adaptive skills.
• Physical Therapy (PT) Evaluation: Assesses gross motor skills, mobility, and balance.
• Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA): Identifies the triggers and functions of challenging behaviors. An FBA is often a prerequisite for a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

When requesting an evaluation, be specific about the areas of concern and the types of evaluations you believe are necessary.