Still being checked. Every date, phone number and deadline here is being verified against the city and state’s own published sources before we put our name behind it. Use it to work out what to ask — and confirm anything you are about to act on.
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Just starting out

My child was just diagnosed. What's the first thing I should do?

Ask the school district for an evaluation, in writing, today.

That one letter starts a legal clock: once you sign consent, the district has 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation. Everything else — services, an IEP, funding — follows from it. Write the date you sent it on your own copy.

Do this week

  1. Write one letter to the CSE or CPSE office that serves your district. Say who your child is, the date of birth, where your child goes to school or program, and that you are asking for an evaluation.
  2. Send it so you can prove you sent it. Email, or hand it in and ask for a date stamp on your copy.
  3. Put the date you sign consent on your calendar. From that signature the district has 60 calendar days to finish the evaluation.