What to Do When the School Says Your Child Doesn't Qualify for Services

It's one of the most frustrating moments a parent can face: you've requested an evaluation, waited through the process, attended the eligibility meeting, and the school says your child doesn't qualify. You know something is wrong. The school says otherwise. What now?

You have more options than you might think.

Understand Why They Said No

First, ask for the written explanation. In Indiana, the school must provide Prior Written Notice explaining why your child was found ineligible. This includes what data they used, what options they considered, and why they rejected alternatives. Read it carefully. Sometimes the reason reveals a specific gap you can address.

Ask for the Data

Request copies of all assessment data used in the eligibility decision. You have the legal right to this information. Review the scores. If an important area wasn't assessed, or if the data doesn't seem to support the conclusion, that's critical information for your next step.

Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

If you disagree with the school's evaluation results, you have the right to request an IEE at public expense, meaning the school district pays for an outside evaluator. The school must either agree to fund the IEE or file for due process to defend their own evaluation. This is one of the most powerful tools available to Indiana parents.

Consider a Private Evaluation

Even outside the IEE process, you can obtain a private evaluation through PEAS for Kids.
A thorough independent evaluation may reveal needs the school's assessment missed, and gives you strong documentation to bring back to the eligibility team.

Use Indiana's Dispute Resolution Options

• Request another eligibility meeting with new data in hand

• File a state complaint with IDOE's Office of Special Education if procedural rights were violated

• Request mediation — a free, neutral process to work toward resolution

• File for due process — a formal legal hearing before an administrative law judge

Don't Give Up

A denial is not the final word. Many Indiana families have successfully appealed eligibility decisions with the right documentation and advocacy support. You know your child. If something is wrong, keep pushing.

📞 Denied and don't know what to do next? PEAS for Kids helps Indiana families appeal and advocate effectively. Visit www.peas4kids.com.