What is a Private Evaluation?

​Private evaluations are tools used to assist in identifying your child’s academic, behavioral, or social strengths and challenges. They are conducted by professionals who are not affiliated with your child’s school. As opposed to evaluations provided by the school, with private evaluations, parents are able to:

• Seek an evaluation at any time;
• Determine the scope of testing (i.e., narrow focus or comprehensive);
• Choose the evaluator who will be doing the testing; and
• Decide whether or not to share the evaluation with the school or any other professionals working with their child

 
Hiring an evaluator who specializes in educational assessments is essential. This is especially true if the evaluation results indicate that your child needs specific supports within the educational setting (public or private). Unfortunately, the cost of a private evaluation is not typically covered by insurance; therefore, it’s important that you clearly communicate your expectations and ask the right questions when selecting an evaluator. Here are some questions you may want to ask: 

• What is your area of specialization, and are you licensed or certified in this area?
• How much experience do you have? 
• Have you worked with children/adolescents who have similar challenges?
• What type of evaluation will be conducted? Which assessment tools will be used?
• How much will the evaluation cost?
• How long will it take?
• What will happen when the evaluation is complete?
• Will I receive a report explaining the evaluation results (not just a list of test scores)?
• Can you make specific recommendations for supports my child needs?
• What happens if I don’t agree with the evaluation results?

 
We hope you find this information helpful. If you’d like more information, please contact us. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
 
Sources
Morin, Amanda (n.d.). Private Evaluations: What You Need to Know. https://www.understood.org/articles/en/outside-evaluations-the-difference-between-private-and-independent
 
The Understood Team. 13 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Private Evaluator (n.d.), https://www.understood.org/articles/en/checklist-things-to-consider-when-hiring-a-private-evaluator?_sp=14999da0-ce31-4d0c-80d7-7d43dccf3798.1646412264671