How to Request an Evaluation for Special Education
Request a Special Education Evaluation
If you have concerns about your child's learning, development, communication, behavior, or physical abilities, you may request a special education evaluation. An evaluation helps determine whether your child has a disability, identify their educational needs, and determine whether they are eligible for special education services. This page explains how to request an evaluation, what to expect throughout the process, and where to find additional resources and support.
The evaluation process depends on your child's age. Choose the option below to view the information that's most relevant to your family.
How to Request an Evaluation
Federal and Massachusetts law require every school district to identify, locate, and evaluate students who may have disabilities and may be eligible for special education services. This responsibility is known as Child Find.
Official Child Find Notice
It is the responsibility of the Taunton Public Schools to identify any child ages 3 through 21 who may have a disability who is either a resident of Taunton or who attends a private school within the geographic boundaries of the Taunton Public Schools. This also includes children who reside in the Taunton Public School District who are homeschooled, as well as children ages 3 through 21 who are not yet enrolled in school.
Taunton Public Schools is also responsible for the evaluation of those students to determine if they are eligible for special education or related services under federal and state law.
If you suspect that your child may need an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services from the Taunton Public Schools, you may request an evaluation, at no cost, through the Taunton Public Schools Special Education Office.
Ready to Request an Evaluation?
Submit your written evaluation request to:
Amy Moynihan
Director of Special Education
50 Williams Street
Taunton Public Schools
Taunton, MA 02780
Is Your Child Under Three?
If your child is under the age of three and you have concerns about their development, they may be eligible for Early Intervention (EI) services.
Early Intervention provides developmental support for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Services may include:
- Speech and language therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Developmental support services
- Family training and coaching
Caregivers can often refer their child directly to an Early Intervention program—no doctor's referral is required to begin the process.