Regulation 4020: Independent Educational Evaluations
Introduction
The Chappaqua Central School District has established the following procedure for obtaining Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) for children with educational disabilities or for children who are referred to the Committee on Special Education/
A parent of a disabled children has the right, under Federal and State regulations, to obtain an IEE at public expense under certain conditions. Regulatory standards are outlined in New York State Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200.5(g). Additionally, the Federal Regulations 34CFR 300.502 specify requirements for IEEs. These documents, in addition to A Parent's Guide to Special Education: Your Child's Right to an Education in New York State, detail IEE requirements. These documents are available from the Special Education Office for parent(s) who desire additional information.
Procedures for Requesting Reimbursement
If a parent disagrees with an evaluation by the School District, the parent should explain, in writing to the Chairperson, Committee on Special Education/
Qualified Professionals
The Chappaqua Central School District will permit parents to select any independent evaluator, as long as the qualified professional selected by the parent is an individual who possesses a current license or certification from the New York State Education Department in the area of evaluation. Whenever an independent educational evaluation is at public expense, the criteria under which the evaluation is obtained, including the geographic location and the qualifications of the examiner, must be the same as the criteria that the district uses when it initiates an evaluation. The District has also established a list of qualified professionals who are in private practice or employees of other public agencies to whom parents may go to secure an IEE which is available to parents if they so request. This list of independent evaluators includes professionals in all areas of suspected educational disabilities. The approved list is maintained by the Chappaqua Central School District, Special Education Department, 66 Roaring Brook Road, Chappaqua, New York 10514.
It is the responsibility of the professional chosen by the parent to contact the school to arrange for payment, dates of classroom visitations and discussions with school staff. The independent evaluator is also responsible for sending a copy of their state certification/license to the Chairperson, Committee on Special Education/
Procedure for Reimbursement
Upon receiving a request for reimbursement for an IEE, granted at public expense, the Chairperson, Committee on Special Education/
Reimbursement Rates
The Chappaqua Central School District has established reasonable reimbursement rates for independent evaluators that do not exceed the rates that the School District would be required to pay to Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES. A copy of such rate schedule is available in the District's Special Education Department at 66 Roaring Brook Road, Chappaqua, New York 10514 and will be updated annually.
In exceptional circumstances only (e.g., if an unusual evaluation is needed, or if no appropriately certified independent evaluators can be found whose rates meet those set by the District), the Chairperson, Committee on Special Education/
If the qualified professional performing the evaluation is an employee of a public school district in Westchester County or Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES, the District will pay the evaluator the current hourly rate paid by his/her respective public school district or BOCES.
Further Information
The Chappaqua Central School District has developed these procedures on IEEs in furtherance of the law and to inform parents of their rights. Parents can obtain further information on IEEs by contacting Chairperson, Committee on Special Education/
Administrative Regulation
Approved by Superintendent of Schools: November 5, 2003