Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)
Independent Educational Evaluations
If you disagree with your child’s school district evaluation, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)—at the district’s expense. At Cornerstone Educational Solutions (CES), we specialize in conducting high-quality, comprehensive IEEs throughout California, ensuring your child’s educational needs are accurately assessed.
What is an IEE?
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an assessment conducted by an independent, highly qualified professional when parents disagree with a school district’s evaluation. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants parents the right to request an IEE if they believe the school’s assessment is incomplete, inaccurate, or does not reflect their child’s needs.
Parents can request an IEE at the district’s expense if:
✔️ The school’s evaluation is incomplete or inaccurate
✔️ They disagree with the district’s findings
✔️ Their child was denied special education services
✔️ The school’s assessment is more than two years old
✔️ They suspect additional challenges were overlooked
Once an IEE is approved, parents can select their own independent evaluator—someone outside of the school district—to complete a new, objective assessment.
Types of IEEs We Offer
At Cornerstone Educational Solutions, we provide fast, thorough, and expert evaluations in the following areas:
Psychoeducational IEE (Neuropsychological IEE)
A Psychoeducational or Neuropsychological IEE assesses a child’s cognitive abilities, academic skills, and processing strengths and weaknesses to determine if they qualify for special education services. This evaluation may include:
- Cognitive Testing: Measures IQ, problem-solving, and reasoning skills
- Academic Achievement Testing: Evaluates reading, writing, and math skills
- Processing Skills: Assesses memory, attention, and executive functioning
- Social-Emotional & Behavioral Screening: Identifies concerns like anxiety, ADHD, autism, or emotional regulation issues
This type of IEE helps determine learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental conditions that impact a child’s education.
Speech and Language IEE
A Speech and Language IEE assesses a student’s ability to communicate effectively in both academic and social settings. This evaluation may include:
- Receptive Language: Understanding words, sentences, and directions
- Expressive Language: Ability to use words and sentences clearly
- Speech Sound Production: Clarity of speech and articulation
- Fluency & Stuttering: Smoothness of speech and language flow
- Pragmatic (Social) Language: Ability to engage in conversations and interpret social cues
A Speech IEE can determine if a child qualifies for speech-language therapy and what type of support they need in school.
Occupational Therapy (OT) IEE
An OT IEE evaluates a child’s fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, and self-care skills that impact their ability to participate in school. This assessment may include:
- Trouble making or maintaining friendships
- Withdrawal from peers, isolation, or lack of interest in social interactions
- Difficulty understanding social cues, body language, or maintaining conversations
- Conflicts with peers or teachers due to poor social problem-solving skills
An OT IEE helps determine whether a child needs school-based OT services to support their participation in the classroom.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) IEE
A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) IEE examines a student’s behavioral challenges to identify the underlying causes and develop a plan to support them. This evaluation may include:
- Behavioral Observations: Assessing patterns of disruptive or concerning behaviors
- Triggers & Reinforcements: Identifying environmental and emotional factors contributing to behaviors
- Replacement Strategies: Developing positive interventions to improve behavior
- Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP): A structured plan to help the student succeed in the classroom
An FBA IEE is essential for students with significant behavior challenges, helping develop strategies to reduce problem behaviors and improve classroom engagement.
Assistive Technology (AT) IEE
An Assistive Technology (AT) IEE evaluates whether a student requires specialized tools, devices, or technology to support access to learning and participation in the school environment. This evaluation may include:
- Technology Access: Assessing the student’s ability to access curriculum through digital tools and assistive devices
- Writing & Communication Supports: Identifying tools such as speech-to-text, text-to-speech, or alternative input systems
- Learning Access: Determining whether technology supports are needed to improve reading, writing, organization, or participation
- Device Trials & Recommendations: Evaluating different assistive technology tools to determine the most appropriate supports for the student
An AT IEE helps determine whether a student needs assistive technology services or devices to access the curriculum and participate meaningfully in school activities.
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) IEE
An Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) IEE evaluates a student’s ability to communicate using alternative communication systems when speech alone is not sufficient. This evaluation may include:
- Communication Needs Assessment: Evaluating how the student currently communicates wants, needs, ideas, and information
- Symbol & Language Systems: Assessing the student’s ability to use pictures, symbols, words, or devices to communicate
- Device and System Trials: Identifying and trialing appropriate AAC systems such as communication apps, devices, or low-tech supports
- Environmental & Support Considerations: Determining what supports teachers, staff, and families may need to implement AAC successfully
An AAC IEE helps determine whether a student requires augmentative communication systems or devices to effectively communicate and participate in school.
Adapted Physical Education (APE) IEE
An Adapted Physical Education (APE) IEE evaluates a student’s motor development, physical abilities, and participation in physical education activities to determine if specialized instruction is needed. This evaluation may include:
- Gross Motor Skills: Assessing balance, coordination, strength, and movement skills
- Motor Planning & Body Awareness: Evaluating the student’s ability to plan and perform physical movements
- Participation in Physical Activities: Determining how the student engages in physical education and recreational activities
- Adaptations & Instructional Needs: Identifying modifications, supports, or specialized instruction required for participation in PE
An APE IEE helps determine whether a student requires adapted physical education services to participate safely and successfully in school physical education programs.
Why Choose CES for Your IEE?
No Wait Times – Immediate availability statewide
Fast Turnaround – Evaluations completed efficiently
Expert Evaluators – Highly experienced professionals in special education assessments
Comprehensive, High-Quality Reports – Detailed insights to support IEP and 504 Plan decisions
At Cornerstone Educational Solutions, we work with parents, attorneys, and advocates to ensure students receive the necessary evaluations and services.
If you need an IEE for Psychoeducational, Speech & Language, Occupational Therapy, or an FBA, we’re here to help!
What Our Clients Are Saying
"Cornerstone was such a blessing to our family. She gave us the information we needed and a plan to follow to help our son. We are eternally grateful."
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"After many years of having IEPs and never understanding why my daughter struggled, I now understand! With Cornerstone, I finally have answers and truly understand what is going on with my daughter."
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"This evaluation was thorough and gave us the information we needed to advocate for our child."
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Meet Dr. Christy Bock, Psy.D, LEP
Christy brings a wealth of experience as a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #3063) and a seasoned school psychologist for over 25 years. Growing up with dyslexia, Christy knows firsthand how tough learning difficulties can be. As a mother of six with special needs children, she truly understands the struggles parents face in supporting their kids’ unique needs.
Since founding Cornerstone in 2008, Christy and her team have performed countless Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) across the state. She has served as an expert witness in court and co-created an Educational Custody Evaluation to aid special needs students in custody cases.
Under her leadership, Cornerstone has expanded nationwide, providing essential support to schools and families across the country.
Submit a Learning Evaluation Inquiry
We are here for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our incredible team is distributed throughout California and are available to meet with you and your child in-person or virtually to complete our educational assessment(s).
When your child is struggling and despite their effort, they are still struggling academically, a psychoeducational evaluation might be the answer. The psychoeducational evaluation answers the “WHY” to why your child is struggling. By taking a comprehensive dive into your child’s
cognitive abilities, academic achievement, and processing skills, we are able to understand and address all learning difficulties and specifically look at areas of concern like dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, to name a few. A psychoeducational evaluation helps pinpoint the exact areas your child struggles and gives you a roadmap towards intervention.
Does your child struggle academically, have difficulty focusing, show signs of learning challenges despite effort and support or exhibit social-emotional and behavioral issues, an educational assessment can provide the “WHY” behind these concerns and can help lay out a roadmap to intervention.
Our process begins with scheduling a clarity call where you can discuss your frustrations and concerns. Based on this discussion, we match you with the most suitable team member to start the evaluation.
We understand the urgency and are ready to begin testing right away, moving at a pace that suits your needs. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and updated. Once the evaluation is complete, we present the results in a clear and understandable meeting, providing you with actionable recommendations.
An evaluation with Cornerstone can move at the pace you want. Most of our families want to move quickly, and we love to jump in and complete the evaluation as quickly as you need. The typical timeframe is 3 to 4 weeks, but it can be quicker if needed.
Our evaluations are conducted by licensed evaluators and can help support the need for accommodations, a 504 Accommodation Plan, or even an IEP. Often, schools prefer to conduct their own evaluations for an IEP, but the evaluation through Cornerstone can lay the framework for displaying the need.
An educational assessment provides a thorough understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges. It offers actionable recommendations for tailored interventions, which can improve academic performance, enhance emotional well-being, and address behavioral issues. Without an evaluation, most parents are guessing as to what area to focus intervention but with a full evaluation, you know EXACTLY where to focus so time and money are saved.
The cost of an educational assessment varies depending on the type and scope of the evaluation. Please contact us for specific pricing and to discuss your needs.
Typically NO, but we are able to provide a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement, and some parents are able to have the evaluations covered by insurance, but typically they are not covered. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) you are able to pay for the evaluation through HSA funds.
Scheduling an assessment is easy. Simply contact us via phone or email to set up a free clarity call. During this call, we’ll discuss your concerns and determine the best evaluation plan for your child.
Our evaluators are licensed with extensive experience conducting educational assessments and providing expert recommendations in and out of the schools. They are trained to work with children of all ages and learning profiles as well as adults.
Yes, we have bilingual psychologists, speech pathologists as well as occupational therapists. We have assessors who are bilingual in multiple languages. Please reach out with your language needs.
YES! Assessments can be completed virtually, as all Cornerstone evaluators are trained in virtual administration, which has become an increasingly popular and in-demand assessment method.