Does the parent have to pay upfront and get reimbursed?

No. You should never pay the evaluator upfront if the IEE is approved at public expense. The school district must contract directly with the evaluator. If you pay out of pocket, the district is not legally obligated to reimburse you unless ordered to do so by a due process judge.

What happens if the district's contract rate is lower than the evaluator's rate?

If the district's fee cap is unreasonably low and prevents you from finding a qualified evaluator, the district must waive the cap. An experienced agency like CAS Evaluations can negotiate directly with the district to resolve rate differences before testing begins.

Special Education FAQ

How do school districts pay for independent evaluations?

Quick Answer: When an IEE is approved at public expense, the school district pays the evaluator directly. This is accomplished by executing a contract (typically a master contract or individual service agreement) between the school district or SELPA and the independent evaluator or agency.

Detailed Explanation

This section provides a thorough, deep dive into the legal and clinical realities behind the question. For example, explaining IDEA regulations, California Education Code, or the specific timeline requirements.

Parents should remember these key points:

Point A: Ensure you submit requests in writing.
Point B: School districts have 15 days to provide an assessment plan.

Key Takeaways

Do not start testing until you have confirmation that the district has signed the evaluator's contract.
Let your evaluator handle the rate negotiations and paperwork with the special education department.

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