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An IEP is only as good as the evaluation behind it. If the DOE's testing missed what you see at home, or rated a need lower than you think it is, the services in the IEP may be too thin. New York City families have a way to get a second opinion from someone outside the DOE, sometimes at the DOE's expense. This guide explains how that works, using what the NYC Public Schools publish.
What an independent assessment is
The DOE's evaluation page describes an independent assessment as one done by someone who does not work for the DOE. There are two ways to get one.
Paid for by you
You always have the right to pay for an independent assessment yourself. The DOE notes that Medicaid may cover the cost if your child is eligible. The results go to you, and the IEP team will consider any independent assessment you choose to share with them.
Paid for by the DOE
If you disagree with an assessment the DOE conducted, you can ask the DOE to pay for an independent one. According to the DOE, the request must be in writing and given to the IEP team, the CSE or the CPSE. The DOE then either agrees to pay or begins an impartial hearing to show its own assessment was appropriate.
If the DOE agrees to pay, it says you must:
- choose a qualified evaluator who does not charge more than the maximum rate, and
- ask for reimbursement within a reasonable period of time.
If the DOE goes to a hearing and the hearing officer finds its assessment appropriate, you can still get an independent assessment and share it, but the DOE will not pay for it.
How to write the request
Keep the letter short. Say which DOE assessment you disagree with and its date, that you are requesting an independent assessment at public expense, and where to reach you. Date and sign it, send it in a way you can prove, and keep a copy. If you want a starting draft, the guide to writing to the school covers tone and what to keep.
Why this connects to missed services
An evaluation that underestimated a need can mean the IEP recommended too little, such as one speech session a week where your child needed three. A new evaluation can lead to a better IEP going forward. Whether the gap in the past is something that can be made up is a separate question. When required services were not provided, a hearing or a settlement can sometimes award compensatory services. Take the one-minute Do I qualify? quiz to see where you stand.
If your child has gone weeks or months without what the IEP promises, you can ask for a free callback. We explain what families in your situation usually do and, where it fits, connect you with help. There is no cost to you, now or later.
Last reviewed: October 2026
