What is a psycho-educational/diagnostic evaluation?

An evaluation may include a child’s cognitive, academic achevievement, social-emotional-behahaioral, and/or adaptive skills functioning when a child has a suspected disability. An evaluation may conducted to inform therapeutic treatment decisions, provide diagnostic classifications, or inform school supports (including IEP and 504 plan supports). Dr. Katz is able to conduct Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs). Please contact Dr. Katz for more information about these services.

How do I know if I need a psycho-educational/diagnostic evaluation for my child?

Evaluations are conducted when a child has a suspected disability, such as a developmental disability, learning disability, and/or social-emotional disorder. Children tend to be referred for evaluations by their pediatricians and/or school support teams when children display developmental delays (i.e., don’t meet developmental milestones) and/or don’t respond to interventions as one would expect for a typically developing child. Psychoeducational evaluations may be used to qualify for and inform individualized special education supports at a child’s school. Please contact Dr. Katz for more information about these services.

What is school consultation and how can you help me navigate school systems?

School consultation allows for collaboration between caregivers, teachers, and providers who are involved in the child’s life in order to support student success in the classroom. Dr. Katz can help families make placement considerations (i.e., tiered levels of special education supports) and faciliate educational planning (i.e., share expertise and help guide decisions for the support team).

Do you take insurance and what are your fees?

Dr. Katz is considered to be an out-of-network provider and does not accept insurance. Specific details regarding fees are available upon request. Fees are due at the time of service. Dr. Katz requests 50% down deposit at the time of booking and collects the remaining 50% at the time of the feedback session.

What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?

An IEE — Independent Educational Evaluation — is a comprehensive educational assessment conducted by a qualified professional outside of (and not employed by) the school district. It offers an objective, outside perspective on a student's learning profile, which may include cognitive ability, academic skills, behavior, and social-emotional functioning.

Parents typically request an IEE when they disagree with a school district's own evaluation — for example, if the district found their child doesn't qualify for services, if certain areas weren't evaluated, or if the results don't match what parents observe at home.

Under federal and California special education law, once a parent formally requests an IEE, the district has two options: agree to fund the evaluation at public expense, or initiate due process to defend its own assessment.

The results can help clarify whether a child qualifies for special education services and strengthen IEP planning going forward.

What is the difference between a school evaluation and an IEE?

District staff conducts school evaluations. A professional not employed by the school district conducts an Independent Educational Evaluation, providing an outside perspective.

Can I request an IEE if my child didn’t qualify for special education?

Yes. Many parents request an IEE after their child is found ineligible, but they believe the evaluation missed something important.

Do schools have to accept the results of an IEE?

Schools are required to consider the results of an IEE when making educational decisions.