Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Independent Educational Evaluation

How Do I Request an OT IEE from My School District in California?

If you disagree with your child’s school-based occupational therapy (OT) evaluation in California, you may have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense. This guide explains, in practical steps, how to make that request, what to include, who to send it to, and how to prepare for choosing an evaluator such as Kerrie Rowe OT.

How to Request an OT IEE in California: Core Steps

To request an OT IEE in California, state in writing that you disagree with the district’s occupational therapy evaluation and are requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense. Identify the evaluation, ask for the district’s current IEE criteria, and request written confirmation of receipt. This written request is the foundation of the process and helps protect your procedural rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related California regulations.

Key Takeaways Before You Send Your Request

• Make the request in writing and keep a dated copy for your records.

• Clearly identify the district OT evaluation you disagree with, including the date.

• Ask for the district’s current IEE criteria and information about where the evaluation may be obtained.

• You do not have to prove or explain your disagreement before requesting the IEE, although details can help later.

• The district must act without unnecessary delay by providing the IEE at public expense or filing for due process to defend its evaluation.

• Do not assume that any privately scheduled evaluation will automatically be reimbursed by the district.

Before sending the request, review the differences among school OT, private OT, and IEEs to confirm that an IEE—not a private assessment or new school referral—is the correct process for your situation. A resource such as Pediatric OT evaluation options: School OT, private OT, and IEEs can help clarify these pathways so you select the option that matches your goals and procedural rights.

What Should My Written Request Say?

A concise written request can be both professional and clear. One example parents may adapt is:

“I disagree with the occupational therapy evaluation completed by the district on [date]. I am requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation in occupational therapy at public expense under 34 CFR §300.502. Please provide the district’s current IEE criteria and information about where the IEE may be obtained. Please confirm receipt in writing.”

Replace the bracketed date with the actual completion date of the district’s OT evaluation. Keep a copy of the exact wording you send, along with the date and method of delivery (for example, email or certified mail).

Who Should Receive the Request?

Send your written OT IEE request to the person responsible for your child’s special education case—often the case manager, school psychologist, or special education teacher listed on the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Consider copying the special education administrator or director for your district to ensure the request is routed promptly to the appropriate decision-maker.

Keep the sent email and every response in one dedicated folder, either electronically or in print. Organized documentation can be important if questions arise later about timelines, criteria, or next steps.

Organized records make it easier to navigate timelines, criteria, and next steps.

What Happens After I Request the IEE?

After you request an OT IEE, the district must, without unnecessary delay, either ensure the IEE is provided at public expense or file a due process complaint to defend its own evaluation. Federal law does not establish one universal fixed response period expressed as a specific number of days; instead, the focus is on timely action within the broader procedural framework of IDEA and state rules.

During this period, continue to save all written communication and avoid assuming that any private evaluation you schedule will be reimbursed unless and until the district authorizes an IEE at public expense under its criteria.

What Should I Request Before Selecting an Evaluator?

• Written authorization or response confirming the OT IEE at public expense.

• The district’s current IEE criteria, including any written policy documents.

• Evaluator qualification requirements (for example, license type, years of experience, specialty).

• Any location requirements, such as geographic limits or telehealth provisions.

• Payment and invoicing instructions, including whether the evaluator bills the district directly or uses another arrangement.

• Relevant district contact information for authorizations, scheduling, and billing questions.

Once authorization and criteria are available, use a structured guide such as How do I choose an occupational therapist for an IEE? to compare qualified evaluators. This helps you make a thoughtful choice based on expertise, approach, and fit with your child’s needs, rather than relying only on price or availability.

What Records Should I Organize for the OT IEE?

• Current IEP, including OT goals, services, and accommodations.

• District OT evaluation that you are disputing.

• Assessment plan and consent forms related to OT and other areas.

• Previous evaluations, both school-based and private, if available.

• Teacher reports and rating scales describing classroom performance and functional skills.

• Work samples that illustrate your child’s handwriting, organization, or other OT-related concerns.

• Progress reports and data on IEP goals, including OT progress summaries.

• Relevant parent–school communication, such as emails about concerns, accommodations, or behavior.

An assessment-planning guide such as What assessments should be included in an occupational therapy IEE? explains how these records should shape the independent evaluator’s test selection and areas of focus, ensuring that the IEE addresses both your concerns and the student’s functional needs in school.

How Can Kerrie Rowe OT Help After Authorization?

When families contact Kerrie Rowe OT about an authorized IEE, the process begins with a careful review of the district’s criteria, the disputed OT evaluation, and the unresolved concerns identified by the family and school team. This initial review helps determine whether Kerrie Rowe OT meets the district’s requirements and whether the proposed scope of the IEE can meaningfully answer the family’s questions about the student’s occupational performance at school.

From there, the independent evaluation is designed to be comprehensive, educationally relevant, and aligned with the student’s real-world classroom demands. Families seeking support with an authorized OT IEE can learn more or inquire about availability at https://www.kerrieroweot.com/request-ot-iee-california/ .

Frequently Asked Questions About OT IEE Requests

How do I write an OT IEE request in California?

Identify the district OT evaluation you disagree with, state your disagreement, and request an OT IEE at public expense. Ask for the district’s current IEE criteria, information about where the IEE may be obtained, and written confirmation that your request was received.

Do I have to explain why I disagree?

No. You are not required to explain or prove your disagreement when you request an IEE. However, a clear description of your concerns can help the independent evaluator later design an assessment that addresses the issues most important to your family and the IEP team.

How long does the district have to respond?

IDEA requires the district to act without unnecessary delay, either by agreeing to fund the IEE or by filing for due process to defend its evaluation. Federal law does not set one universal fixed number of days. Local practices and state rules may provide additional guidance on reasonable timelines.

Can I choose my own OT evaluator?

Parents have selection rights when choosing an evaluator for a publicly funded IEE, subject to the district’s permissible agency criteria. Those criteria may include licensure, experience, location, and cost parameters. Reviewing these requirements early helps you focus on evaluators who are both qualified and likely to be approved.

Should I schedule the evaluator before the district responds?

Generally, it is advisable to obtain the district’s response and IEE criteria first. Scheduling an evaluation before authorization can create a risk that the district will not cover the costs, especially if the evaluator does not meet the district’s criteria or if the district ultimately files for due process instead of agreeing to fund the IEE.

Educational Notice and Next Steps

This page provides general information about pediatric occupational therapy evaluations and special education. It is not legal advice. Families should review their procedural safeguards and consult a qualified special education attorney or advocate when legal guidance is needed. If you are ready to take the next step toward an OT IEE in California, consider organizing your records, drafting your written request, and exploring whether a practice such as Kerrie Rowe OT is an appropriate fit once authorization is in place.