Get National special education services for children: If you think your child may need extra support, this friendly, step-by-step guide explains how to get evaluated for early intervention (birth–3) and special education (3–21), how Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) work, where to get free help, and what to do if you hit a roadblock. Everything below is based on official U.S. government guidance and trusted federal resources .
Why act now?
National special education: Early screening and timely evaluations can change a child’s learning path for the better. Federal law and programs are designed so families can get services that support development and learning — often at no cost to families when services are provided through public schools as part of an IEP. Knowing how the system works will speed actions and reduce stress.
Quick definitions (one-line)
- Early intervention (Part C of IDEA): Services for infants and toddlers (birth–3) with developmental delays or disabilities. Contact your state’s early intervention program.
- Special education (Part B of IDEA): School-based special education services for ages 3–21. If eligible, your child gets an IEP — a written plan that describes goals and services.
- Parent Training & Information Centers (PTIs): Local centers that help families understand rights, navigate evaluations, and prepare for meetings. Nearly every state has a center.
The 7-step roadmap (actionable — follow these in order)
Step 1 — Track and document what you’re seeing
Write down specific examples: what your child can’t do yet, when you first noticed it, and how it affects daily life or learning (feeding, sleeping, talking, playing, potty training, attention, reading, math). Dates and short video clips (where legal/comfortable) are extremely helpful when you talk to professionals.
Step 2 — For birth–3: contact your state early intervention program now
Every U.S. state and territory operates an early intervention system under IDEA Part C. Call or visit your state’s early intervention website to request an evaluation and an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) if your child is eligible. Don’t wait for a “perfect” symptom list — make the referral if you’re worried. (ECTA Center)
Step 3 — For ages 3 and up: request a school evaluation in writing
Contact your local public school or district and request an evaluation for special education services. You can request this even if the child is in private school, homeschool, or not enrolled. Put the request in writing and keep a copy (email works). Legally, the school must respond and either evaluate your child or provide a timely explanation. If you want, use the short email template below.
Sample email/request (copy + paste and update):
Subject: Request for Special Education Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name, DOB]
Dear [Principal or Special Education Director],
I am writing to request a special education evaluation for my child, [Name], born [DOB]. I have concerns about [briefly state concerns: speech, delays, learning, behavior, etc.]. Please consider this a formal request to begin the evaluation process under IDEA. Please confirm next steps and the timeline in writing. Thank you, [Your name + contact info].
Step 4 — Understand the evaluation timeline and what it covers
Once the school receives a written request, it must either obtain consent to evaluate or explain why an evaluation won’t be conducted. Evaluations are comprehensive and may include speech, occupational therapy, psychological testing, academic assessments, and observations. For Part C, states have their own timelines for initial assessments and IFSP meetings — contact your state program for exact turnaround times. Keep the school or state program to the timelines in writing.
Step 5 — Prepare for the eligibility meeting and the IEP/IFSP
Bring your documentation: notes, doctor reports, prior therapy records, and videos. Ask for a copy of the proposed evaluation reports ahead of any meeting so you can prepare questions. If your child is eligible, the team will create an IFSP (birth–3) or IEP (3–21) listing services, frequency, location (school, home, clinic), measurable goals, and how progress will be shared. Services provided under an IEP are at no cost to families.
Step 6 — Use Parent Training & Information Centers (PTIs) and local VSOs for help
If you’re unsure about meetings or need advocacy or representation, contact your state’s PTI. They provide free training, help you understand rights, and can attend meetings with you. The federal Department of Education funds these centers; nearly every state has at least one PTI. Use the interactive map to find the center that serves your area.
Step 7 — If things go wrong: file complaints or request mediation/due process
If the school or agency refuses evaluation, denies services, or you disagree with an IEP, you have options: request mediation, file a state complaint, or request a due process hearing under IDEA. For civil-rights issues (discrimination), you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Keep a dated folder of all emails, letters, meeting notes, and names of staff you spoke with — these records are vital if you need to appeal.
Practical checklist you can print
- Write a timeline of concerns + examples/videos.
- For birth–3: call your state early intervention program.
- For 3+: send a written evaluation request to the school district (keep a copy).
- Gather medical, therapy, and preschool records.
- Contact your state PTI for coaching and meeting support.
- Get evaluation reports in writing; attend eligibility/IEP/IFSP meeting prepared.
- If denied or unsatisfied, consider mediation, state complaint, or OCR complaint.
Quick FAQs
Q: Can my child be evaluated if they don’t attend public school?
A: Yes — you can request an evaluation from your local public school even if your child is home-schooled or attends private school. The public school is responsible for evaluating children in its district.
Q: Are special education services free?
A: Services listed in an IEP provided by the public school are made available at no cost to families. (Other private therapies outside the school may have fees.)
Q: Who pays for early intervention (birth–3)?
A: States coordinate early intervention under IDEA Part C; services can be provided through multiple agencies and funding sources. Families should ask their state program how services are delivered and whether they are free or fee-based.
Compassionate closing
You know your child best. Trust your observations, keep records, and use the federal and state resources designed to help families navigate this system. Small steps today — a short email, a phone call, a video — can open doors to support that make a big difference in your child’s learning and life.
Disclaimer
This post provides general information based on federal resources and is not legal, medical, or educational advice. Program rules, forms, and timelines can change — always check the official government sites listed below and contact your state or local school district for the most current information before taking action. Images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.
Helpful official links (clickable)
- USA.gov — Early intervention and special education services for children (source for this article). (USAGov)
https://www.usa.gov/special-education - Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center — Part C (early intervention) overview. (ECTA Center)
https://ectacenter.org/partc/partc.asp - U.S. Department of Education — A Guide to the Individualized Education Program (IEP). (U.S. Department of Education)
https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/iepguide.pdf - Find your Parent Training and Information Center (PTI). (Parent Information Center)
https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/ - U.S. Department of Education — How to file a civil-rights complaint (OCR). (U.S. Department of Education)
https://ocrcas.ed.gov/