How Long Does a Missouri School Have to Evaluate a Child for Special Education?

If you have requested a special education evaluation for your child, you may be wondering how long the school has to complete it. Missouri law is clear: once a parent provides written consent for an initial evaluation, the school has 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation and hold an eligibility meeting. Understanding this timeline and what it includes can help you stay informed and advocate effectively.

The 60-calendar-day timeline begins on the date the school receives your signed consent for the evaluation. This is different from the date you made the request. The clock starts when the school has your written permission to proceed.

Within those 60 days, the school must complete all assessments, gather information from teachers and parents, and hold an eligibility meeting to determine whether your child qualifies for special education services under one or more of the disability categories recognized by IDEA.

A comprehensive special education evaluation is not a single test. It typically includes assessments in all areas of suspected disability, a review of existing records and data, observations of the child in educational settings, input from parents and teachers, and standardized assessments in areas such as cognitive ability, academic achievement, language, and behavior.

The school must evaluate your child in all areas related to the suspected disability. If you believe an area is being overlooked, you have the right to raise that concern in writing.

As a parent, you have important rights throughout the evaluation process. You must receive written notice before the school conducts any evaluation. You must give written consent before the initial evaluation begins. You have the right to receive a copy of the evaluation report. You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation.

You also have the right to participate in the eligibility meeting and share your observations about your child's strengths and challenges.

After the evaluation is complete, the school will hold an eligibility meeting. At this meeting, the team reviews the evaluation results and determines whether your child meets the criteria for one or more disability categories and whether the disability has an adverse effect on educational performance.

If your child is found eligible, the team must develop an IEP and begin services as soon as possible. If your child is found ineligible, you have the right to receive a written explanation and to challenge that decision.

If 60 calendar days pass and the evaluation has not been completed, the school is in violation of federal and state law. You can send a written request asking for the evaluation to be completed immediately. If the school does not respond, you may file a state complaint with DESE or request a due process hearing.

Keep a record of the date you gave consent and any communications you have had with the school. This documentation will be important if you need to take further action.

Gateway Educational Advocacy helps families in the St. Louis region understand the evaluation process and advocate for timely, thorough assessments. If you have questions about your child's evaluation or believe a deadline has been missed, we are here to help. Our services are provided at no cost. This article provides educational information, not legal advice.