Understanding Reevaluations: What to Expect and How It Can Affect Your Child’s Services
As a parent of a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you’re likely familiar with the regular meetings and updates that come with ensuring your child receives the support they need. However, one aspect that often raises questions is the 3-year reevaluation, or what happens if your child’s team believes a reevaluation is necessary before this period. At ConnectEd Advocates, we’re here to help you understand why reevaluations occur, what the process entails, and how it can impact your child’s IEP.
WHY DOES A 3-YEAR REEVALUATION HAPPEN?
The 3-year reevaluation, also known as a triennial evaluation, is a crucial checkpoint in your child’s special education journey. It’s required by law to ensure that your child’s needs are being accurately identified and that their IEP is providing the appropriate services and accommodations.
During this reevaluation, the IEP team, which includes you as the parent, assesses whether your child continues to meet the eligibility criteria for special education services. The team also evaluates whether the current IEP is effectively supporting your child’s educational progress. It’s an opportunity to review your child’s growth, address any new challenges, and make necessary adjustments to their educational plan.
WHAT IF THE TEAM BELIEVES A REEVALUATION IS NEEDED SOONER?
In some cases, the IEP team may determine that a reevaluation is needed before the 3-year mark. This can happen if there are significant changes in your child’s performance, behavior, or needs that suggest the current IEP may no longer be adequate. For example, if your child experiences a notable decline in academic performance, an increase in behavioral issues, or a change in diagnosis, the team may recommend an earlier reevaluation.
You, as a parent, also have the right to request a reevaluation if you believe your child’s needs have changed. This ensures that the IEP remains aligned with your child’s current situation, providing them with the most effective support.
WHAT DOES THE REEVALUATION PROCESS INVOLVE?
The reevaluation process is similar to the initial evaluation that led to the creation of your child’s IEP. It involves gathering updated information about your child’s abilities, challenges, and progress. This can include a variety of assessments, such as academic testing, psychological evaluations, and observations from teachers and other professionals.
The IEP team will review all the gathered data, considering your child’s strengths and areas of need. They’ll also seek input from you as the parent, since your insights are invaluable in understanding how your child is doing both in and out of school.
Once the evaluation is complete, the IEP team will meet to discuss the results and determine whether any changes to your child’s IEP are necessary. This could involve adding or removing services, modifying goals, or updating accommodations to better suit your child’s current needs.
HOW CAN A REEVALUATION AFFECT YOUR CHILD’S IEP?
The outcome of a reevaluation can have a significant impact on your child’s IEP. Depending on the findings, the IEP may be revised to better address your child’s evolving needs. Here are some ways a reevaluation might affect your child’s educational plan:
Adjustment of Goals: The reevaluation might reveal that your child has made significant progress in certain areas, allowing the team to set new, more challenging goals. Alternatively, it might highlight areas where more support is needed, leading to the introduction of new goals.
Changes in Services: Based on the evaluation results, the IEP team might decide that your child requires additional services, such as speech therapy or occupational therapy. Conversely, if your child has outgrown certain services, they might be reduced or discontinued.
Updated Accommodations: As your child grows and their needs change, the accommodations they receive in the classroom might need to be adjusted. For example, they might need different types of support for testing, note-taking, or behavior management.
Eligibility Reassessment: In some cases, the reevaluation might lead to a reassessment of your child’s eligibility for special education services. If the evaluation shows that your child no longer meets the criteria for their current eligibility category, the team might explore other areas of need or discuss transitioning out of certain services.
NAVIGATING THE REEVALUATION WITH SUPPORT
Reevaluations can be a pivotal moment in your child’s educational journey, offering an opportunity to ensure their IEP is as effective as possible. However, the process can also feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to interpreting the evaluation data and advocating for your child’s needs.
At ConnectEd Advocates, we understand the complexities of special education and are here to support you every step of the way. Whether your child is approaching their 3-year reevaluation or you’re considering an early reevaluation, our team can help you prepare, participate in meetings, and ensure that your child’s IEP continues to provide the support they need to thrive.
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Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can assist you with reevaluations and all aspects of the IEP process. With the right guidance and advocacy, you can make informed decisions that keep your child on the path to success. Reserve your FREE CONSULTATION today!
