My Child Is Struggling to Read

If your child is falling behind in reading, you're not alone — and you're right to be concerned. Reading difficulties are one of the most common reasons families enter the special education system, and there are clear steps you can take right now to get your child the support they need.

The Quick Answer

You can request a special education evaluation at any time. You don't need to wait for the school to suggest it, and you don't need the teacher's permission. Put your request in writing (email works), and the school must respond with an assessment plan within 15 calendar days.

Your Rights in This Situation

• You can request an evaluation. Under federal law (Child Find), the school is actually supposed to identify children who may need help — but you don't have to wait for them to act.
• The school cannot make you wait. Some schools will tell you to "wait and see" or insist your child go through MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) before they'll evaluate. This is not true. You can request an evaluation at any time, and the school must respond — even if your child is receiving MTSS interventions.
• The evaluation is free. The school pays for it. You won't receive a bill.
• The evaluation must be thorough. It should look at reading, writing, and any other areas of concern. If you suspect your child may have dyslexia or another Specific Learning Disability, make sure the evaluation covers those areas.

What to Do

1. Write a letter or email to the school. Address it to the principal or the special education department. State clearly that you are requesting a special education evaluation because you are concerned about your child's reading. Be specific about what you've noticed — for example, your child struggles to sound out words, avoids reading, falls behind on reading assignments, or reads much slower than classmates.

2. Keep a copy of everything. Save the email or keep a copy of the letter. Write down the date you sent it. This creates a record in case you need it later.

3. Wait for the assessment plan. The school has 15 calendar days to send you a proposed assessment plan. This document lists the areas the school plans to evaluate and who will do the testing.

4. Review the plan before signing. Make sure the assessment plan includes testing in all the areas you're concerned about. If you think the school left something out — for example, they plan to test reading but not written expression — ask them to add it.

5. Sign and return the plan. Once you're satisfied, sign it and send it back. The school then has 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation and hold an IEP meeting to review the results.

6. If the school says no, they must give you a written explanation (called Prior Written Notice). You have the right to disagree and pursue the evaluation through a compliance complaint or due process. See What to Do When the School Says No.

Learn More

• Evaluation Rights — Full details on the evaluation process, timelines, and your rights
• Dyslexia Screening — California's requirements for dyslexia screening under AB 1369
• Eligibility Categories — How the school determines if your child qualifies for special education