Category: Occupational Therapy

IEE OT Park Guide to Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)

Empowering families. Supporting children. Aligning assessments with meaningful OT-goals.

What is IEE?

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by the child’s public school system, requested by parents when they disagree with the school’s own evaluation.

Under federal law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 300.502), parents have the right to request one IEE at public expense each time they disagree with a school-district evaluation.

In essence: if you believe the school’s assessment of your child’s needs—cognitive, motor, sensory, emotional, or functional—is incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate, an IEE gives you a second look by an independent expert.

Why does IEE matter for OT Park and your child?

At OT Park, we focus on pediatric occupational therapy with deep attention to fine motor, sensory modulation, daily living skills, emotional regulation, and the full complexity of a child’s participation. An IEE can play a crucial role when:

The school’s evaluation did not include sensory processing, motor planning, upper-limb coordination, or ADLareas you see in therapy.
You suspect the school’s assessment missed relevant areas of need (for example: bilateral shoulder weakness, midline crossing, visual-motor integration) that are impactful for OT goals.
You want to ensure evaluation data is aligned with meaningful OT-based recommendations (home program, self-care strategies, sensory supports) rather than just eligibility screens.

With an IEE, you can bring to the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process rich, independent data that supports OT-centered services and ensures your child’s therapy goals are well-grounded.

The Law in a nutshell

If you disagree with the school’s evaluation, then you may request an IEE at public expense.
If you request an IEE, then the school must respond without unnecessary delay and either:
- agree to fund the IEE, or
- initiate a due-process hearing to defend their evaluation.
If you request an IEE, then you are entitled to one publicly funded IEE per disputed evaluation.
If an IEE is conducted, then it must meet criteria comparable to the school’s evaluation (examiner qualifications, setting, etc.).
If the IEE is completed, then the school must consider the results when making decisions about eligibility, services, or placement.

When Should You Consider Requesting an IEE?

If the school declares your child ineligible, but you notice ongoing difficulties (fine motor, sensory, ADLs), then an IEE may provide a more accurate picture.
If the evaluation feels incomplete (missing sensory modulation, executive function, motor planning, or emotional regulation), then an IEE can fill those gaps.
If the tests are outdated, biased, or don’t reflect your child’s profile, then an independent evaluation can ensure a fair assessment.
If the evaluator lacks expertise in relevant areas (e.g., bilateral upper-limb weakness, sensory processing, praxis), then an IEE with the right specialist is recommended.
If the evaluation is old or no longer reflects current functioning, then an updated IEE is valuable.

An IEE helps capture your child’s strengths and needs and supports meaningful OT goals in the IEP.

Step-by-Step Process

Send a written request: Although the law doesn’t mandate a written request, it is highly recommended. The letter or email should state that you disagree with the school’s evaluation and are requesting an IEE at public expense.
School response: The school must respond without undue delay (many jurisdictions interpret ~15 school days as reasonable). It must either approve the IEE or initiate due-process hearing.
Selecting an evaluator: You may choose an evaluator who meets the school’s criteria but is not employed by the district. The school must provide its criteria (e.g., qualifications, cost cap, location).
Evaluation is conducted: The independent evaluator gathers relevant info (records, observations, assessments across domains) and produces a comprehensive report.
School considers the results: The school must “consider” the IEE results when making decisions about your child’s education. It does not mean automatic agreement, but it must give substantive consideration.
Next steps: With the IEE report in hand, you and your team at OT Park (and school/IEP team) can use the findings to inform service goals, accommodations, placement, and OT-specific supports.

How OT Park supports families with IEEs

At OT Park, we bring a depth of expertise in pediatric occupational therapy and we support families who are navigating IEE requests by:

Helping you interpret school evaluation results, identify gaps (e.g., sensory, motor, ADL) and determine whether an IEE is warranted.
Supporting you in writing the request letter, outlining what you disagree with and what you believe needs further assessment.
Collaborating with independent evaluators (when chosen) to ensure that the evaluation includes domains critical to OT (e.g., bilateral upper-extremity strength, shoulder stability, fine motor skills, sensory-motor integration, daily‐living tasks).
After the IEE report is complete, we translate the findings into OT-goals: for example, home program design, sensory-path differentiation, self-care life-skills routines, tech-lab interventions, and supportive carry-over into natural settings.
At IEP meetings, we can advocate (or coach you to advocate) so that OT-recommendations are clearly tied to services, frequency, duration, and measurable outcomes.

Key Tips for Parents

Document everything: Keep copies of letters, emails, responses, and timelines.
Act promptly: Don’t wait to submit your request.
Choose the right evaluator: Look for pediatric OT expertise if needed.
Keep OT Park involved: Share therapy notes to support evaluation accuracy.
Use IEE for collaboration: Goal is a better plan, not conflict.

For questions about IEEs or OT-based evaluations:

Email: admin@otpark.com

Call: 669-888-3636

Feeding Therapy at OT Park: How We Can Help

Is your child an extremely picky eater? Do they gag, tantrum, or refuse to eat during meals? Do they have trouble swallowing, choke while eating, or frequently get sick with pneumonia? Has mealtime become a stressful event in your home?

If any of these sound familiar, your child may benefit from feeding therapy at OT Park with a trained occupational or speech therapist. Feeding difficulties can stem from various causes, including sensory processing challenges, such as those associated with sensory processing disorder or autism spectrum disorder, as well as motor difficulties often seen in conditions like cerebral palsy or neurological impairments. A feeding therapist can help make mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable.

What Is Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy involves a trained occupational or speech therapist working with your child to help them learn to eat or eat more effectively. Sessions are typically held once or twice a week for one hour. At OT Park, we create an individualized approach that addresses the specific sensory and motor challenges your child faces in eating an age-appropriate meal.

How to Get Started

If you’re struggling with mealtimes and believe your child may need feeding therapy, the first step is to consult your pediatrician. They may refer you to a feeding therapist for a comprehensive evaluation.

The Feeding Therapy Evaluation

A feeding evaluation at OT Park includes a detailed review of your child’s feeding history, an observation of them eating a typical meal, and, in some cases, a meal journal that records what your child has eaten over the past three days. If your child has a history of swallowing difficulties, we may request a recent swallow study. Based on these evaluations, we’ll determine whether sensory, motor, or combined issues are contributing to their feeding challenges, such as hypersensitivity to textures or difficulties with chewing and swallowing.

Feeding Therapy Techniques at OT Park

Feeding therapy can be provided at various settings, including therapy centers, hospitals, or in private practices. At OT Park, we offer specialized pediatric feeding therapy using a range of approaches to suit your child’s unique needs. Our therapists are experienced in sensory, motor, and behavioral techniques to help your child develop better eating habits.

Popular Feeding Therapy Approaches

“Get Permission” Approach
This method focuses on building a trusting and positive relationship with food. Your child will gradually progress through steps such as looking at, smelling, touching, and eventually tasting food. The pace is set by your child, ensuring they are comfortable throughout the process.
Beckman Oral Motor Approach
This approach targets children with oral motor barriers to eating. It helps improve functional movements, strength, and control in the lips, cheeks, jaw, and tongue to enhance eating skills.
Behavioral Approach
In this approach, a reward system may be used to encourage your child to try new foods. For example, when they take a bite of a new food, they may earn a sticker or a small toy. Over time, this positive reinforcement helps reduce resistance to new foods.

How OT Park Can Support Your Child

At OT Park, we take a personalized and holistic approach to feeding therapy. Our occupational therapists work closely with your child to address both the physical coordination and sensory processing aspects of feeding. Whether your child has difficulties due to sensory sensitivities or motor control, our therapists design a program tailored to their unique needs.

Our goal is to make mealtimes safer, more enjoyable, and less stressful for your child and family. If you’re interested in learning more about our feeding therapy services, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled therapists.

If you think feeding therapy could benefit your child, we welcome you to schedule a 30-minute screening at OT Park. During the screening, you can discuss your concerns with one of our therapists and take a tour of our facility.

We are here to support your child’s journey to better feeding and happier mealtimes.

What are Child’s Occupations? & How OT Park Nurtures Growth Through Play and Therapy

When we think about the term “occupation,” we often associate it with jobs or careers. However, for children, their occupations revolve around activities that contribute to their growth, development, and independence. At OT Park, we understand that a child’s daily tasks—such as playing, learning, socializing, and self-care—are their primary occupations, and we use occupational therapy to help them thrive in these essential areas.

Understanding a Child’s Occupations

A child’s occupations include a variety of tasks that help them explore the world, gain new skills, and develop their independence. Some of the key occupations for children are:

Play – Play is a child’s most important occupation. It fosters creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction. Whether engaging in sensory play, pretend play, or physical activities, children develop cognitive, motor, and emotional skills through play.
Learning – Whether at school or home, children spend a significant amount of time learning. This includes handwriting, attention, following instructions, and problem-solving.
Social Participation – Engaging with peers, family, and caregivers is crucial for developing communication, cooperation, and emotional regulation.
Self-Care (Activities of Daily Living – ADLs) – Dressing, eating, brushing teeth, and toileting are essential daily tasks that contribute to independence.
Sensory Processing – Children interact with their environment using their senses. Some children may struggle with sensory sensitivities, affecting their ability to engage in everyday activities comfortably.
Emotional Regulation – Understanding and managing emotions are critical skills for a child’s success in social and academic settings.

How OT Park Supports Children’s Occupations

At OT Park, our pediatric occupational therapy services are designed to support children in all their occupations, helping them achieve their fullest potential. Here’s how we do it:

Play-Based Therapy

We incorporate play into therapy sessions to make learning fun and engaging. Whether it’s climbing, jumping, or playing with sensory bins, we use play to enhance motor skills, coordination, and social interactions.

Fine Motor & Handwriting Development

For children struggling with handwriting, grasping small objects, or using utensils, we offer activities that strengthen their fine motor skills. Using tools like adapted pencils, textured writing surfaces, and fun hand-strengthening exercises, we help children improve their control and precision.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Children who are over- or under-responsive to sensory input benefit from our sensory-based interventions. We use swings, weighted blankets, textured materials, and deep pressure activities to help children regulate their sensory systems and feel more comfortable in their environment.

Self-Care & Independence Training

Our therapists work on practical self-care skills like dressing, grooming, and feeding. By breaking down tasks into manageable steps and using adaptive techniques, we help children gain confidence and independence in their daily routines.

Social & Emotional Development

We facilitate group activities and social play to improve peer interactions. Children learn turn-taking, sharing, and effective communication skills, which are essential for forming positive relationships.

Empowering Children Through Occupational Therapy

At OT Park, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in their daily occupations. Through our individualized, child-led, and play-based approach, we support children in overcoming challenges, building confidence, and developing essential life skills.

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If you’re interested in learning more about how occupational therapy can support your child’s development, contact OT Park today! Let’s help your child grow, play, and thrive together.