When a child continues to struggle with reading, parents often feel uncertain about the next steps. Schools are required by law to evaluate children who may have a disability that impacts learning. Two key federal laws protect your rights as a parent: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Understanding these laws can help you request the right support for your child.
Begin With a Pediatrician Visit
Before requesting testing through the school, it is important to first schedule a visit with your child’s pediatrician. Reading struggles can sometimes be linked to medical issues that affect learning. A pediatrician can:
- Conduct a hearing and vision screening to rule out difficulties that may interfere with reading
- Perform a physical exam to identify any health concerns that may affect attention or learning
- Review your child’s developmental history and learning concerns
- Provide documentation or recommendations for the school evaluation process
Discuss your concerns with your child’s doctor. If hearing, vision, or medical conditions are ruled out, you can move forward with confidence when requesting school testing.
Understanding IDEA and Section 504
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA is a federal law that ensures children with disabilities are identified, evaluated, and provided with special education services when necessary.
IDEA states:
“A child must be assessed in all areas related to the suspected disability” (34 C.F.R. § 300.304).
This means that if your child shows signs of dyslexia or other reading difficulties, the school is required to test in all relevant areas, including reading fluency, phonological awareness, processing speed, and memory. Parents have the right to request what is called a Full and Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE).
Once a written request is submitted, most states require schools to respond within 15 school days. The school will either send consent forms for testing or provide a written explanation if they deny the request.
Read more about IDEA here:
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 is a civil rights law that ensures students with disabilities are not excluded or denied access to education. Even if a child does not qualify for special education under IDEA, they may still be eligible for accommodations under Section 504.
Section 504 states:
“No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States… shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance” (29 U.S.C. § 794).
This means that if reading difficulties substantially limit your child’s learning, the school must provide accommodations. Examples include extended time on tests, small-group instruction, audiobooks, or assistive technology.
Learn more about Section 504 here:
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html
Steps Parents Can Take
Step 1: Visit the Pediatrician
Start with a pediatric appointment to complete hearing and vision checks, a physical exam, and to discuss your concerns with a medical professional. Rule out medical issues before requesting school testing.
Step 2: Put Your Request in Writing
After the pediatrician visit, submit a formal written request to the school principal, counselor, or special education coordinator. Written requests create a legal record and begin the evaluation timeline.
Your letter should include:
- Your child’s full name, grade, and teacher
- A statement such as: “I am requesting a Full and Individual Evaluation under IDEA and Section 504 for my child due to reading difficulties.”
- Specific struggles you have observed such as sounding out words, remembering sight words, or understanding passages
Step 3: Keep Records
Save all letters, emails, report cards, and samples of your child’s work. This documentation can help demonstrate your child’s struggles during meetings.
Step 4: Know the Timeline
Federal law requires schools to act quickly once you make a request. While timelines vary by state, many require a school to respond within 15 school days and to complete testing within 45 school days after receiving parent consent.
Check with your State Department of Education for exact requirements.
Sample Request Letter
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am requesting a Full and Individual Evaluation of my child, [Child’s Name], under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. [Child’s Name] is in [grade] and continues to experience significant difficulties with reading, including [list specific concerns].
According to IDEA (34 C.F.R. § 300.304), a child must be assessed in all areas related to the suspected disability. Under Section 504 (29 U.S.C. § 794), my child has the right to accommodations and support if a disability substantially limits learning.
I look forward to receiving the consent forms and information about the evaluation process. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Why This Matters
Reading difficulties can affect every part of a child’s education. Early testing and support are critical to long-term success. Parents who begin with a pediatrician visit and then move forward with a written request to the school under IDEA and Section 504 are taking the right steps. Federal law ensures that your child has the right to be evaluated and supported so that reading struggles do not hold them back.
For further information, visit:
IDEA: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/
Section 504: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html
