IEP Evaluation & Funding Steps - Aurora, CO

Education Colorado 4 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Aurora, Colorado families can request an Individualized Education Program (IEP) evaluation through the local district and access state dispute-resolution and funding pathways. This guide explains who to contact in Aurora Public Schools, the paperwork and timelines commonly involved, and the enforcement and appeal routes available under federal and state special education rules. It is written for parents, guardians, and advocates seeking clear action steps to begin an evaluation, understand funding options, and escalate concerns when services are denied or delayed.

How to request an IEP evaluation

Begin by contacting your child’s school or the district Exceptional Student Services (ESS) office to request an evaluation. Include specific concerns about the child’s learning, behavior, communication, or health that affect education. The district is responsible for determining whether an evaluation is warranted and for obtaining parental consent before any formal assessment.

  • Contact the school’s special education teacher or the district ESS office to request an evaluation. [1]
  • Provide written documentation of concerns, examples of classroom impact, and any previous evaluations or medical records.
  • Ask the district for the evaluation timeline and expected scheduling of assessments.
Request evaluations in writing and keep a dated copy for your records.

Applications & Forms

District forms are typically used to start referrals and document consent for evaluation. Check the district ESS forms page for the specific referral or consent forms to submit. If no specific form is published, you may submit a dated written request addressed to the school or ESS office requesting evaluation and noting the areas of concern.

  • Referral or evaluation request form — see district ESS forms. [2]
  • Submit forms or written requests to the school principal or the district ESS office; follow district instructions for delivery (email, mail, or in person).
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; public school evaluations are generally provided at no cost to parents unless stated otherwise. [2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of evaluation and IEP obligations is handled through district procedures, state complaint investigations, and federal due process hearings. Monetary fines for failing to evaluate or provide services are not a standard remedy in state procedural pages; the remedies focus on corrective actions, provision of services, compensatory education, and due process decisions. Where numeric penalties or fines might apply, they are not specified on the cited pages.

  • Enforcer: Aurora Public Schools Exceptional Student Services (district-level) and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) for state complaint investigations. [1][3]
  • Appeals and review: due process hearings, impartial hearing officers, and state complaint procedures under CDE; specific time limits and procedures are set by state and federal regulations and are detailed on the CDE dispute-resolution pages. [3]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: corrective orders requiring evaluation or services, compensatory education awards, and written corrective action plans resulting from complaints or hearings.
  • Common violations: failure to evaluate timely, failure to obtain parental consent, inadequate IEP services, missed IEP meetings, and improper eligibility determinations; typical remedies are service provision or corrective actions rather than fines.
If a district delays or denies an evaluation, file a written complaint and request dispute resolution promptly.

Applications & Forms

The district ESS forms page lists referral and consent forms used in Aurora Public Schools; if you cannot find a form, submit a dated written request to the school or ESS office and request confirmation of receipt. Fees for evaluation forms are not specified on the cited pages. [2]

How-To

  1. Write a dated request for evaluation describing concerns and deliver it to the school or ESS office.
  2. Complete any district referral or consent forms from the ESS forms page. [2]
  3. Attend the eligibility meeting and review assessment results with the IEP team; request clarifications and proposed goals.
  4. If services are denied, consider filing a state complaint or requesting a due process hearing; consult CDE dispute-resolution resources. [3]
  5. Keep records of all communications, decisions, and signed documents; request written timelines for implementation.
Document every step and ask for written confirmations to preserve timelines and evidence.

FAQ

How long does the district have to evaluate my child?
The specific evaluation timeline is determined by district procedures and state rules; the exact number of days is not specified on the cited pages, so ask the district ESS for their local timeline and check CDE dispute-resolution resources. [1][3]
Can I pay for a private evaluation and still get school services?
Parents may obtain private evaluations; the district must consider them. If you seek public reimbursement, that process and criteria are governed by state and federal rules and should be discussed with the district and, if needed, pursued via due process. Specific reimbursement procedures are not specified on the cited district pages. [1]
Who do I contact to file a complaint if the district refuses an evaluation?
Contact Aurora Public Schools Exceptional Student Services first; if unresolved, file a state complaint or request dispute resolution through the Colorado Department of Education. [1][3]

Key Takeaways

  • Request evaluations in writing and keep dated copies.
  • Use district ESS forms when available and follow submission instructions. [2]
  • If denied, use state complaint and due process avenues through CDE. [3]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Aurora Public Schools - Exceptional Student Services
  2. [2] APS ESS Forms and Referral Resources
  3. [3] Colorado Department of Education - Special Education

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