Start an IEP Evaluation Request in Los Angeles

Education California 4 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of California

In Los Angeles, California, families seeking a special education evaluation for a child should start by contacting the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) special education office or their local school. An evaluation request (initial assessment) begins the process to determine eligibility for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and services. This guide explains practical steps, timelines, who enforces procedures, and where to submit requests in Los Angeles, plus rights to appeal or file complaints.

Begin by making a clear written request to the school; keep a dated copy.

Preparing an IEP Evaluation Request

Before submitting a request, gather current records, examples of classroomwork, recent progress reports, and any outside evaluations. A written parent request or an emailed inquiry to the school site and LAUSD special education intake helps create a paper trail. If the district does not respond, families may file a formal complaint with the California Department of Education or request a due process hearing. LAUSD Special Education[1]

  • Write a dated, signed request naming the student and the assessment concerns.
  • Include supporting records: grades, teacher notes, medical or outside evaluations.
  • Deliver the request to the school and the district special education office; keep delivery proof.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of evaluation timelines and procedures is handled through district special education offices, the California Department of Education (CDE) complaint process, and the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) for due process. Monetary fines for failing to evaluate or provide services are not specified on the cited pages and remedies are typically corrective orders, compensatory services, or implementation directives issued after complaint or hearing. For CDE complaint procedures and state enforcement routes, see the California Department of Education guidance.CDE Complaint Procedures[2]

  • Enforcer: LAUSD Special Education Office for district actions; CDE Special Education Division for state complaints; OAH for hearings.
  • Timelines: specific state or district deadlines (for example, assessment completion timelines) are described on district and state pages; if not shown, the detail is not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals/Review: request a due process hearing at OAH or file a state complaint with CDE; time limits vary by procedure and are listed on CDE and OAH pages.
  • Common remedies: orders to complete evaluations, compensatory education, corrective action plans; monetary penalties are not specified on the cited page.
If you do not receive a timely response, file a state complaint or request a due process hearing promptly.

Applications & Forms

District practice varies. LAUSD posts special education intake instructions and contact points on its official special education site; a specific named district form or a fee for filing an initial assessment request is not specified on the cited page. Contact LAUSD special education intake for the exact current form or submission method.[1]

  • Form name and number: not specified on the cited page; check LAUSD special education intake.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited pages; public special education assessments are typically provided at no cost to parents unless otherwise stated.
  • How to submit: submit a written request to the school and district special education office; follow LAUSD instructions.

Action Steps for Families

  • Step 1: Prepare a dated written request describing concerns and desired assessments.
  • Step 2: Deliver the request to the child’s school and district special education intake; keep copies and proof of delivery.
  • Step 3: If the district does not respond, file a state complaint with CDE or request a due process hearing at OAH.
  • Step 4: Request prior written notice and procedural safeguards from the district; consult the district’s special education office for timelines and next steps.

FAQ

How do I request an IEP evaluation for my child?
Submit a written, dated request to your child’s school and to LAUSD special education intake; keep proof of delivery and follow up with the district.[1]
How long does an evaluation take?
Timelines for assessment completion are set by district and state rules; check LAUSD and CDE guidance for specific deadlines or consult the district for current timelines.[1]
What if the district refuses to evaluate?
You may file a state complaint with the California Department of Education or request a due process hearing at the Office of Administrative Hearings. See CDE complaint procedures for filing instructions.[2]

How-To

  1. Write a dated, signed request for assessment describing specific concerns and areas to assess.
  2. Send the request to the child’s school and LAUSD special education intake; retain copies and delivery confirmation.
  3. Track the district response and request written timelines and procedural safeguards from the district.
  4. If the district does not act, file a state complaint with CDE or request a due process hearing at OAH.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with a clear dated written request to the school and district special education office.
  • Keep records and proof of delivery; these are critical if you later file a complaint or hearing request.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Los Angeles Unified School District - Special Education
  2. [2] California Department of Education - Special Education Complaint Procedures

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