How often does my child need a reevaluation?

Quick answer

Schools must reevaluate a child with a disability at least once every three years, unless you and the school agree in writing that reevaluation is unnecessary. Either you or the school can request reevaluation sooner when needs change, services are not working, or new concerns arise. A reevaluation can confirm continued eligibility, change the disability category, or guide IEP revisions.

What this means for parents

Reevaluation is not just a repeat of kindergarten testing. It should reflect your child now.

• Triennial reevaluation checks whether your child still qualifies and what the current needs are.
• You can request reevaluation at any time if you believe needs have changed or the IEP is not appropriate.
• The school can also request reevaluation, but it must get your consent unless it can show you received notice and did not respond.
• Reevaluation may include a review of existing data instead of new testing if that review is sufficient, but you can disagree and request new assessments.
• Results should drive IEP changes in goals, services, placement, or accommodations.

Questions to ask about reevaluation

Use these when the three-year date is near or your child's needs have shifted.

1. When is my child's triennial reevaluation due, and what assessments are planned?
2. Can we agree in writing to waive reevaluation, and do I want to waive it?
3. If needs have changed, what new testing will address [specific concern]?
4. Will the team review current progress data, grades, and service logs before deciding what testing is needed?
5. How will reevaluation results connect to changes in the IEP?

Simple parent script

Common mistakes to avoid

• Agreeing to waive triennial reevaluation without understanding what data the team will use instead.
• Waiting for the three-year date when the child is clearly not progressing now.
• Treating reevaluation as automatic paperwork that does not affect services.
• Not asking for new testing when the old evaluation is outdated or used the wrong tools.
• Assuming continued eligibility means the current IEP is still appropriate.

When to get more help

Consider getting help when the school refuses reevaluation despite clear changes in need, wants to exit your child from special education without adequate testing, or reevaluation results do not match what you see at home and school.