Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is a Licensed Educational Psychologist?

Under the California Business and Professions Code, Section 4989.14, the practice of educational psychology includes a range of professional services related to learning and the education system.

A Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) provides:

  • Educational evaluations

  • Diagnosis of psychological disorders related to learning

  • Administration and interpretation of diagnostic tests (including assessments of academic ability, learning patterns, achievement, motivation, and personality factors)

  • Psychological counseling for individuals, groups, and families

  • Consultation with educators and parents regarding social, behavioral, and academic concerns

  • Psychoeducational assessments to identify special needs

  • Development of treatment plans and intervention strategies

  • Coordination of intervention strategies during individual crises

In short, an LEP works to understand how a student learns, identify barriers to success, and recommend appropriate supports and interventions.

Why Should My Child Be Evaluated?

Watching your child struggle in school can be overwhelming and frustrating. A psychoeducational evaluation can provide clarity and direction.

An evaluation can help answer important questions such as:

  • What are my child’s learning strengths and weaknesses?

  • How does my child’s cognitive functioning affect academic performance?

  • How do processing skills impact learning?

  • How do social-emotional or behavioral factors influence achievement?

  • How does attention affect school performance?

  • What is my child’s current academic level?

  • Does my child have a condition such as Autism, ADHD, a Learning Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Anxiety, or Depression?

  • What accommodations or interventions are necessary to help my child make meaningful progress?

Overall, the purpose of a psychoeducational evaluation is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how your child thinks and learns. The results help identify strengths, areas of need, learning gaps, and any underlying conditions. The assessment also provides schools and outside agencies with baseline data so they can offer appropriate services and supports.

What Is a Psychoeducational Assessment?

A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that may include:

  • Review of all relevant records available at the time of the evaluation

  • Interviews with parents, the student, teachers, and outside providers (if applicable)

  • Observations in the testing setting and, when possible, in the classroom

  • Standardized and/or curriculum-based assessments

  • Rating scales completed by parents, teachers, and sometimes the student

This process provides a thorough understanding of the student’s academic, cognitive, and social-emotional functioning.

What Is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by the child’s school district, charter school, or intermediate unit.

IEEs are often requested by parents, school districts, or attorneys. An IEE typically includes:

  • A detailed review of all available educational records

  • Interviews with parents, the student, teachers, and outside providers

  • Multiple observations in both testing and educational settings

  • Standardized and/or curriculum-based assessments

  • Rating scales from relevant sources

  • Participation in relevant IEP meetings (up to two hours; additional time may be billed separately)

Compared to a standard psychoeducational evaluation, an IEE generally requires more time reviewing records, coordinating with IEP teams and attorneys, traveling, and possibly attending due process hearings.

How Can a Parent Obtain an IEE, and Who Pays for It?

If a parent disagrees with the school’s evaluation of their child, they have the right under federal law (§300.502) to request an Independent Educational Evaluation.

This means a parent may ask for an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional (such as a Licensed Educational Psychologist) who is not employed by the school system.

When a parent requests an IEE:

  • The school must provide information about where an IEE can be obtained.

  • The school may agree to fund the IEE at public expense.

  • Alternatively, the school may file for due process to demonstrate that its evaluation was appropriate.

The school may ask why the parent disagrees, but it cannot require an explanation or unreasonably delay the process.

If the school prevails in due process, the parent may still obtain an IEE, but not at public expense. In some cases, a hearing officer may order an IEE during due process proceedings, and in those situations, it must be funded by the school.