# Parent Letter Templates

*Review these letters with an advocate or attorney before sending for high-stakes situations. These are templates — customize for your specific situation.*

```mermaid
flowchart LR
    A[Parent Letter Templates] --> B[1. SPED Evaluation Request]
    A --> C[2. Records Request - FERPA]
    A --> D[3. IEP Meeting Request]
    A --> E[4. 504 Evaluation Request]
    A --> F[5. Dispute / Disagreement]
    B --> G[District responds within 60 days]
    C --> H[School responds within 45 days]
    D --> I[IDEA right to request anytime]
    E --> J[Section 504 accommodation plan]
    F --> K[Mediation / Due Process / IEE]
```

## Table of Contents
- [1. Request for Special Education Evaluation](#1-request-for-special-education-evaluation)
- [2. Request for Education Records (FERPA)](#2-request-for-education-records-ferpa)
- [3. Request for IEP Meeting](#3-request-for-iep-meeting)
- [4. Section 504 Evaluation Request](#4-section-504-evaluation-request)
- [5. Dispute / Disagreement Letter](#5-dispute-disagreement-letter)

---

## 1. Request for Special Education Evaluation

**To:** [Principal name], [School name]
**From:** [Your name]
**Date:** [Date]
**Re:** Request for Special Education Evaluation — [Child's full name], Grade [X]

Dear [Principal / Director of Special Education],

I am writing to formally request that [school district name] evaluate my child, [child's full name], for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

[Child] is currently in grade [X] at [school name]. I have concerns about [his/her/their] progress in the following areas:

- [Describe specific concern 1 — e.g., "reading below grade level"]
- [Describe specific concern 2 — e.g., "difficulty staying focused and completing work"]
- [Describe specific concern 3 — e.g., "struggles with social interactions"]

[Optional: include any relevant background — tutoring tried, medical diagnoses, teacher concerns shared with you]

I understand that under IDEA, the school district must respond to this written request. If the district agrees to evaluate, the evaluation must be completed within 60 calendar days of receiving my written consent. If the district declines to evaluate, I understand you must provide me with Prior Written Notice explaining the reasons.

Please send me the consent forms and any information about the evaluation process. I look forward to working with the school team to support [child's name].

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email]

*CC: [Keep a copy for your records]*

---

## 2. Request for Education Records (FERPA)

**To:** [School / District records office]
**From:** [Your name]
**Date:** [Date]
**Re:** Request for Education Records — [Child's full name]

Dear [Principal / Records Custodian],

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 20 U.S.C. §1232g), I am requesting to inspect and receive copies of all education records for my child:

**Student name:** [Full name]
**Date of birth:** [DOB]
**School:** [School name]
**Grade:** [Grade]

I am requesting the following records:
- [ ] Complete cumulative file
- [ ] All IEP documents and evaluations (if applicable)
- [ ] All 504 plan documents (if applicable)
- [ ] Discipline records
- [ ] Attendance records
- [ ] Assessment/test results (MAP, EOC, benchmark, etc.)
- [ ] Report cards and transcripts
- [ ] Communication logs (teacher notes, emails, meeting notes)
- [ ] Health records
- [ ] Other: [specify]

Under FERPA, the school must respond to this request within 45 days. I request copies be provided to me at the address/email below.

Thank you,
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your email]
[Your phone]

---

## 3. Request for IEP Meeting

**To:** [Case manager / Special education coordinator]
**From:** [Your name]
**Date:** [Date]
**Re:** Request for IEP Meeting — [Child's full name]

Dear [Case manager name],

I am requesting an IEP meeting for my child, [child's full name], to discuss:

- [ ] [Describe the concern — e.g., "progress toward current goals"]
- [ ] [E.g., "concerns about the current placement"]
- [ ] [E.g., "need for additional services or supports"]
- [ ] [E.g., "behavioral concerns and possible FBA/BIP"]
- [ ] [E.g., "transition planning"]

Under IDEA, I have the right to request an IEP meeting at any time. I am available on the following dates/times:
- [Option 1]
- [Option 2]
- [Option 3]

I plan to bring [advocate name / support person] to the meeting with me. [Optional — you have this right under IDEA.]

Please confirm the meeting date and provide me with a copy of my Procedural Safeguards notice.

Thank you,
[Your name]
[Your phone]
[Your email]

---

## 4. Section 504 Evaluation Request

**To:** [Principal / 504 Coordinator]
**From:** [Your name]
**Date:** [Date]
**Re:** Request for Section 504 Evaluation — [Child's full name]

Dear [Principal / 504 Coordinator],

I am requesting that [school district] evaluate my child, [child's full name], under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to determine eligibility for a 504 accommodation plan.

[Child] has been diagnosed with [condition — e.g., "ADHD," "anxiety disorder," "Type 1 diabetes," "severe allergies"] which I believe substantially limits [his/her/their] ability to [major life activity — e.g., "learn," "concentrate," "read," "breathe"].

I am enclosing [or will provide] documentation from [child's] healthcare provider, [Dr. name], which describes the diagnosis and its impact.

I understand that Section 504 protects students with disabilities from discrimination and requires schools to provide accommodations that ensure equal access to education. I am requesting that the 504 team meet to review [child's] needs and develop an accommodation plan.

I am available to meet on [dates/times].

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your phone]
[Your email]

*Enclosure: [Medical documentation — attach physician letter/documentation]*

---

## 5. Dispute / Disagreement Letter

**To:** [Superintendent / Director of Special Education / Principal]
**From:** [Your name]
**Date:** [Date]
**Re:** [Formal Disagreement / Request for Resolution] — [Child's full name]

Dear [Name],

I am writing to express my disagreement with [the school's decision regarding / the proposed action concerning / the denial of] [describe the specific issue — e.g., "the denial of my request for a special education evaluation," "the proposed change to my child's IEP placement," "the 10-day suspension issued on (date)"].

**My concerns are:**
1. [Specific concern — e.g., "The evaluation data does not support the eligibility determination"]
2. [Specific concern — e.g., "The proposed placement does not comply with LRE requirements"]
3. [Specific concern — e.g., "My child's due process rights were not followed"]

**I am requesting:**
- [ ] A meeting to discuss and resolve this matter
- [ ] An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense
- [ ] Mediation through DESE
- [ ] A formal due process hearing
- [ ] A formal hearing regarding the proposed suspension/expulsion (RSMo 167.171)
- [ ] Other: [specify]

I understand my rights under [IDEA / Section 504 / RSMo 167.161-171 / other applicable law] and am prepared to pursue appropriate dispute resolution if we cannot resolve this collaboratively.

I look forward to your response within [10 business days / a reasonable timeframe].

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your phone]
[Your email]

*CC: [Your advocate/attorney, if applicable]*
*CC: [Keep a copy for your records]*