Ask in writing and keep a copy. If your child is 34 months to 5 years old and not in public school, call FDLRS/Alpha Child Find (561-434-8975), which does free screenings. If your child attends a district school, write to the school's ESE coordinator. If the district refuses to evaluate, it must explain why in writing.
Which door do I knock on?
The school district's Child Find page says:
- Under 3: Early Steps (Treasure Coast Early Steps, run by Easterseals).
- 34 months to 5 years and not in public school: FDLRS/Alpha Child Find, 561-434-8975. Screenings are free, with no insurance or doctor's referral needed.
- District public or charter school: the school's ESE (Exceptional Student Education) coordinator.
- Home education: the ESE coordinator at your zoned school.
- Private school, over age 5: the district's ESE private school program, 561-434-8287.
What deadlines does the district have?
Florida Rule 6A-6.0331 sets them:
- If you ask for an evaluation, the district has 30 days to ask for your consent or give you written notice explaining why it refuses, unless you both agree otherwise in writing.
- For a child age 3 to kindergarten, if a district or FDLRS screening suggests a disability, the district has 30 days to ask for your consent.
- Once the district has your signed consent, the evaluation must be done within 60 calendar days, not counting school holidays, breaks, summer or some days the child is absent.
- The deadline can be extended by up to 30 more days only if you agree in writing.
What if the school says no?
- Get the written notice. Federal rules (34 CFR 300.503) say it must describe what the district refuses and why, what evaluations or records it used, your legal protections and where to get help, in your language unless that is clearly not feasible.
- Ask for the procedural safeguards notice. The district must give you a copy when you request an evaluation, also in your language.
- If the district evaluates and you disagree, you can ask for an independent educational evaluation at public expense; the district must provide it or ask for a hearing (34 CFR 300.502).
- Get free help from Family Network on Disabilities, a Parent Training and Information Center in Florida: (800) 825-5736. Its website has a Spanish version.
Is the school's decision a diagnosis?
No. The school decides whether your child qualifies for special education; that is not a medical diagnosis. For ABA through Medicaid, you need a doctor's order and a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation; our page on Medicaid's requirements explains them. Paramount Behavior provides ABA therapy at home and at school across Palm Beach County, in English and Spanish: (561) 421-0047.
Do I have to ask in writing?
It is the safest way. A dated request helps you count the 30 days the district has to respond. Keep a copy.
How long does the evaluation take?
Once you sign consent, the district has 60 calendar days, not counting school holidays, breaks or summer. It can be extended by up to 30 days only if you agree in writing.
Can I get the papers in Spanish?
Yes. Federal rules say the written notice and the procedural safeguards must be in the parent's native language unless that is clearly not feasible.
General information as of October 30, 2026, not legal advice. Rules and deadlines can change; confirm with the district or a parent center. If your child is in danger, call 911.
Sources
- Child Find. School District of Palm Beach County, accessed October 30, 2026.
- Child Find. FDLRS/Alpha (Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System), West Palm Beach, accessed October 30, 2026.
- Rule 6A-6.0331, F.A.C.: General Education Intervention Procedures, Evaluation, Determination of Eligibility, Reevaluation and the Provision of Exceptional Student Education Services. Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code (Florida State Board of Education rule), accessed October 30, 2026.
- 34 CFR Part 300, Subpart E: Procedural Safeguards (sections 300.502, 300.503 and 300.504). U.S. Department of Education, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), accessed October 30, 2026.
- Family Network on Disabilities. Family Network on Disabilities of Florida, accessed October 30, 2026.