FAQs
1. What is an educational evaluation and how can it help my child?
An educational evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that measures your child’s learning strengths and challenges. It can identify conditions such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, or emotional and behavioral difficulties. The results give parents and schools clear, practical recommendations for how to best support a child’s academic and personal growth.
2. What’s the difference between a private evaluation and a school evaluation?
School evaluations are designed to determine eligibility for special education services under IDEA or Section 504. Private evaluations, by contrast, are conducted outside the school system and provide a more individualized, in-depth perspective. Families often choose a private evaluation when they need answers more quickly, want a second opinion, or feel their child’s needs aren’t being fully addressed through school testing alone.
3. What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an assessment performed by a qualified professional not employed by the school district. Parents have the legal right to request an IEE if they disagree with the results of a school evaluation. At Barranco Consulting, we specialize in conducting thorough, unbiased IEEs that provide schools and families with clear data to guide decisions.
4. How do I know if my child needs a private evaluation?
You may want to consider a private evaluation if your child struggles with reading, writing, math, focus, organization, emotional regulation, or social skills—and you aren’t sure why. A private evaluation can provide clarity, identify underlying causes, and create a roadmap for support at home and in school.
5. Does Barranco Consulting offer bilingual evaluations?
Yes. We provide bilingual evaluations to ensure accurate assessment results for children who speak more than one language. This helps distinguish between language differences and true learning challenges, giving families confidence in their child’s results.
6. What types of challenges do your evaluations address?
Our team has expertise in assessing for:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD and attention challenges
Anxiety and depression
Specific learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)
Intellectual disabilities
Emotional and behavioral difficulties
Every evaluation is personalized to your child’s unique profile.
7. Can I use insurance for private evaluations?
Barranco Consulting does not bill insurance directly. However, we provide detailed superbills that families may submit to their insurance company for possible reimbursement. We encourage families to check with their provider about coverage for out-of-network psychological or educational testing.
8. How long does the evaluation process take?
Most evaluations include an intake session, testing appointments, scoring and interpretation, and a feedback meeting with the family. The process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, depending on scheduling. Families receive a comprehensive written report with actionable recommendations.
9. Do you offer support after the evaluation?
Yes. Our work doesn’t stop at testing—we provide clear recommendations, guidance for next steps, and resources tailored to your child’s needs. We also collaborate with schools, therapists, and medical professionals to ensure consistent support across settings.
10. How do I schedule a consultation with Barranco Consulting?
We offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your concerns and help you decide the best path forward. You can fill out our contact form or email us directly to get started.