The Evaluation: Facing the Unknown

After we made the decision to move forward, it didn’t begin with testing—it began with a meeting.

We sat down with the Child Study Team to talk about what we were seeing with Michael. He was with us that day, sitting on the floor quietly playing while we spoke to the professionals gathered around the table. I had sat in countless meetings like this before—as a teacher. But this time, I was here as a parent.

We were honest. We shared our concerns. Michael was four years old and still not identifying colors, numbers, or letters. We talked about how his walking had been delayed, how his feet turned in a little, how his progress just didn’t look like what we’d seen in other children his age.

The team listened carefully. But there was concern—they weren’t sure they’d have enough time to complete the testing and evaluations before the school year ended.

I knew the rules. I knew the Child Study Team had up to 90 days to complete the evaluations and hold an eligibility meeting. But it was July, and we were trying to get Michael the support he needed by September. The clock was ticking.

That moment stung.

We weren’t there because we were curious. We were there because we needed help. We told them, “We’re not trying to rush—we’re just trying to understand what’s going on so we can support him.”

It wasn’t just about academics. It was about helping our son connect, learn, and grow.

They heard us.

They agreed to move forward with a full battery of evaluations. The testing would include assessments in several areas: learning disabilities, psychological development, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language. Each one would give us a clearer picture of how Michael processed the world around him—and how we could better support him.

Even though we didn’t have results yet, that first meeting mattered. It was the first time we spoke our concerns out loud in an official setting. It was the first time we asked for help not as educators, but as Mom and Dad.

It was humbling. Emotional. And it was the beginning of something bigger than we realized at the time.

Next time, I’ll share what those evaluations revealed—and how we started to find our footing in the world of special education and support services.

Have you had that first meeting yet? Or are you thinking about it?

I’d love to hear your story in the comments. Let’s be the kind of community that shows up, listens, and reminds each other—we’re not in this alone.

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