What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a comprehensive assessment of a child's speech, language, and communication skills conducted by a qualified specialist who is not employed by the school district. Under IDEA, IEE results must be considered by the school at any IEP meeting.

How long does an IEE take in Georgia?

There is no mandated timeline for an Independent Educational Evaluation completed at public expense. If the district is funding the evaluation, additional time may be needed for vendorization and the district approval process.

Can I request an IEE if my child doesn't have an IEP?

Yes. If the school has completed an evaluation and found your child ineligible for services and you disagree with that finding, you have the right to request an IEE regardless of whether an IEP currently exists.

What is the difference between a clinical speech evaluation and an IEE?

A clinical speech evaluation identifies speech and language disorders in a medical or therapeutic context. An IEE specifically examines how communication challenges impact a child's educational performance, including classroom observation, teacher input, records review, and recommendations written in the language of IEP law.

Do you serve families outside of Atlanta, Georgia?

Yes. Atlanta Speech Therapy serves families across Georgia including Fulton, Gwinnett, Forsyth, Cherokee, Cobb, and DeKalb counties. Classroom observations are conducted at your child's school.

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) in Georgia | Atlanta Speech Therapy

Your child’s school said they don’t qualify.

We can help you get the full picture. When a school’s evaluation leaves you with more questions than answers, you have a federal right to an independent one — done by a specialist who works for your child.

Does any of this sound familiar?

These are the moments parents call us. If you’ve heard any of these from your child’s school, it may be time to ask for an independent evaluation.

There's no evidence of a language disorder impacting academics.

Your child doesn't qualify for special education services.

We've addressed all of your child's needs already.

Our evaluation shows your child is performing within normal limits.

Your child isn't falling far enough behind to qualify.

We don't see the same concerns at school that you see at home.

A second opinion you’re legally entitled to.

An IEE (an independent look at your child’s speech and language) is done by a qualified speech-language pathologist, preferably with school-based experience, but with no ties to the district. They look at how language challenges affect classroom learning — and the results must be considered at any IEP meeting.

Key parent Right

You don’t have to explain why you disagree. A simple written request starts the process — and we can help you draft it.

Is an IEE Right for Your Child?

6 signs it's time to request one

You disagree with the schoool's findings

The evaluation results don’t reflect what you observe at home or what teachers describe in the classroom.

Outdated tools were used

Older, less sensitive tests can miss subtle but real language disorders.

No expected progress

Your child keeps struggling, in services or not.

Evaluator didn’t know the profile

The evaluation results don’t reflect what you observe at home or what teachers describe in the classroom.

No classroom observation

Without naturalistic observation, the picture is incomplete.

Recommendations don’t fit

The services offered feel mismatched or don’t address the real issues.

Your child needs more than an evaluator. They need an ally.

Meet your child’s ally.

Loading....

Common Questions

Everything Parents Ask Before Getting Started

Does the school have to accept the IEE results?

The school is not legally required to adopt the recommendations, but they are required to consider IEE results at any IEP meeting. A well-documented IEE from a qualified speech-language pathologist with experience working in the school-based setting carries significant weight, particularly when it directly contradicts the district's findings. Our reports are written specifically to be considerate of special education law.

My child doesn't have an IEP yet. Can I still request an IEE?

Yes — if the school has completed an evaluation and found your child ineligible (and you disagree), that qualifies. You don't need an IEP in place to dispute an evaluation or request independent testing. A consultation will help clarify your specific situation.

Who pays for the IEE — us or the school district?

Under IDEA (34 CFR §300.502), if you disagree with the district's evaluation, you can request the IEE be funded at public expense. The district must either approve funding or file for due process.

Alternatively, you can privately fund the evaluation for maximum speed and flexibility. In cases where the school district approves the IEE, you can be reimbursed.

What ages and grades do you serve?

We serve children from preschool through high school (approximately ages 3–18). Speech and language challenges look very different across developmental stages, and our evaluators are experienced working with children at all levels, from early literacy through secondary academic language demands.

How long does the entire process take?

If the district is funding the evaluation, additional time may be required for their approval process. Once contracted with the district, an IEE can be completed within 4 to 6 weeks. We will provide a realistic timeline estimate after your consultation.

Do you serve families outside of Atlanta?

Yes. We are based in Alpharetta and serve families across Georgia. Testing and classroom observations are conducted at your child's school. Contact us, and we'll confirm availability. Your child's school district can establish a reasonable distance limit if they are funding the IEE, but a waiver is possible.