When a parent starts to suspect their child needs more support, whether it's with reading, attention, anxiety, or something else, the path forward can feel like a maze. Who do you call first? What does a diagnosis actually get you at school? What is an IEP, and how do you qualify for one?
I've sat on nearly every side of that table. I'm a licensed clinical and school psychologist with over 10 years of experience working in schools, and I continue to train master's and doctoral school psychology students. My wife is also a former school psychologist and a board certified behavior analyst, and together we run a private practice that provides therapy, testing, parent coaching, and special education advocacy. I'm also the parent of a child with a 504 plan. Here is what I wish every family knew at the start.
Start by Understanding the Medical Model vs. the Educational Model
When you're pursuing an evaluation, find a provider who will really listen to your concerns and who understands the difference between a medical model and an educational model. Problems often arise when a medical professional makes a diagnosis and tells the family they can get services at school, when that may or may not be true depending on the additional criteria schools require.
I've seen families spend a year pursuing a private evaluation only to find the school required its own testing anyway, adding months of delay they could have avoided by starting with the district. A diagnosis and school eligibility are related, but they are not the same thing.
Where to Begin the Evaluation Process
Pediatricians will often refer out to a psychologist for testing around concerns like dyslexia, ADHD, or anxiety. That's a good route for understanding what's going on. But it's usually best to start by requesting an evaluation from the school district before pursuing a private one, both for cost reasons and because district eligibility criteria differ from a medical diagnosis.
Communication with medical providers should be ongoing and a two-way street. Schools and families can share how things are going in the educational setting, and medical providers can offer suggestions based on their expertise, such as how to support a child with ADHD. If you're weighing a private option, you can learn more about our evaluation services.
How a Child Qualifies for an IEP
To qualify for an IEP, a child must have a disability that impacts their education. That impact can show up in academics, like reading, writing, or math, but it can also show up in social, emotional, or adaptive functioning. It's harder to get support for concerns that aren't directly tied to academic achievement, but it's possible, and parents shouldn't get discouraged by an initial no. Here's how the process generally works in New Jersey:
- Request a meeting with the Child Study Team (CST). The CST determines whether testing is warranted.
- Complete the evaluation. If testing is approved, the team completes it and follows up with the family on eligibility.
- Develop the IEP. Once a child is found eligible, an IEP is developed that outlines services, goals, accommodations, and more.
What Services and Accommodations Can Look Like
Every child's plan is different, but here are some examples of what can be included:
- Services: additional teacher support in a subject area, specialized classrooms, behavior plans, and speech, OT, and PT services, among others
- Accommodations: extra time on tests, movement breaks, frequent check-ins with teachers, regular meetings with families, and changes to curriculum or graduation requirements
Advocacy: Document Everything
The best thing families can do is document everything. The IEP process is exactly that, a process, and documentation lets a family track what's working, what isn't, what's been promised outside of formal requirements, and what still needs to happen.
Even after a phone call or in-person conversation, follow up with an email restating what was discussed. This creates a paper trail you can use to track everything moving forward and adds a layer of accountability for everyone involved.
Families should aim to be collaborative with schools while also understanding the real limits of what special education law requires, which ties back to that medical vs. educational model distinction.
Going In Clear-Eyed, and Finding Support
If a family is struggling to get their child the support they need, it helps to go in clear-eyed about the fact that school districts have significant resources and expertise on their side of the table. The process can end up being financially and emotionally demanding for families. Finding free or low-cost advocacy services can be a huge help, allowing families to navigate this complex process with expert support.
That's part of why our practice was awarded a grant from Rutgers University to help families understand IEPs, 504s, and evaluations. It's part of our broader effort to make this process more accessible to families who can't afford private advocacy support. For the same reason, I made a workshop on this topic free and accessible on YouTube, so any family can get this guidance regardless of their ability to pay:
Helpful Resources
Not sure where to start with your child's evaluation, IEP, or 504? Our team provides psychological testing, therapy, parent coaching, and special education advocacy, in person in Red Bank and Oceanport and via telehealth. Questions about cost? See our fees and FAQ, or learn more about our therapy services.
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