In Arizona, it is the responsibility of public school districts to identify and provide services for children with disabilities in their area, including those in private schools and homeschooling. This process is referred to as "Child Find." 

When a parent signs an ESA contract with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), they release the public school district or charter school from most obligations towards the ESA student. However, under the IDEA, the public district is still responsible for evaluating a student for special education or providing written notice if they refuse to conduct the evaluation after a written request from the parent or guardian (A.A.C. R7-2-401(E)(4)).

For homeschooled students, the responsible public school district is the one in which the parent resides (A.A.C. R7-2-401(D)(4)(b); A.R.S.§15-763(C)). If the student attends a private school that is not a district placement, the school district in which the private school is located is responsible for students attending that private school (A.A.C. R7-2-401(D)(4)(b)). 

If a student is both attending a private school and homeschooled, the public school district where the parent resides is responsible (Letter to Chapman, 49 IDELR 163 - OSEP 2007).

Delete the blue writing & change all font to black before sending to school. 

Date

Parent Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code Phone Number 

School Psychologist Name / Principal Name

Name of School
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code 

Dear (Principal or School Psychologist), 

I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, (child's name), who is currently being homeschooled and is ___ years old in the _____ grade. My child has been diagnosed with Autism, and I understand that the local school district is responsible for evaluating the educational needs of homeschool students. I believe that an educational evaluation will be valuable in identifying any areas where my child may require additional support or resources to enhance their education.

I have concerns about (child's name) struggling in various areas that are impacting his/her ability to learn, potentially due to underlying educational disabilities. Specifically, I am concerned about (child's name) experiencing challenges in the following areas: 

1. Social Skills: (provide specific examples of struggles)

2. Behavior: ((provide specific examples of struggles)

3. Academics: (provide specific examples of struggles: handwriting, reading, listening to directions, comprehending stories, etc)

We have taken steps to support (child's name) by (briefly describe any measures or interventions that have been implemented by you or a school or teacher).

I am requesting the following evaluations for my child: 

• • • • Intelligence / Cognition                                                                                                                                                                     

      • Visual and Auditory

      • Academic Skills and Achievement 

      • Social Emotional Testing

      • Occupational Therapy 

-To include measures that look at Sensory and Fine Motor Skills 

• • • • Speech & Language 

-To include measures that look at Communication and Pragmatics 

• An assessment to determine if my child meets the criteria as a student with Autism in an educational context.

• Transition Assessments, now that he/she is 16 or older. (If turning 16, this school year, leave this section. If under 16 and won’t be turning 16 soon, delete the request for Transition Assessments).

Please let me know the next steps and any additional information or forms needed to proceed with this request. If you have any questions I can be reached by email at (email address). Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, 

Parent’s name 

CC: Principal (if addressed to another person), Special education teacher, OT Therapist, Speech Therapist, Class Teacher

Created by Le Ann Fuller, Fuller Education Advocacy, LLC

Email: FullerAdvocacy@gmail.com

Website: FullerAdvocacy.com