Miami-Dade County · Children & school

How to Get Miami-Dade School Disability and IEP Help

Put the request in writing to the school and ask for the ESE process, records, and meeting route that matches the child’s needs.

Researched by Claire Szewczyk · Sources checked August 9, 2026
Quick answer

Start here

Start with the child’s principal, ESE contact, or school psychologist. Put the request in writing. If you cannot identify the right school contact, call Miami-Dade County Public Schools at 305-995-1000.

Miami-Dade County Public SchoolsMiami-Dade County Public Schools305-995-1000

Ask for the school or ESE office that owns the request

Open the district website

What to have ready

  • Child’s school, grade, student ID, and parent contact information
  • The written evaluation, IEP, 504, discipline, or meeting request
  • School records, progress data, evaluations, and relevant provider information
  • Examples of how disability affects learning, communication, behavior, mobility, or access
  • Notices and deadlines already received

Words you can use

“I am making a written request for [evaluation, IEP meeting, records, or support] because disability-related needs are affecting [specific access or progress]. Please confirm receipt and tell me the next procedural step and timeline.”

Steps in order

  1. 1

    Send the request to the school in writing and keep proof of delivery.

  2. 2

    Ask for prior written notice when the school refuses a requested evaluation or service.

  3. 3

    Bring a short concerns list and supporting records to meetings.

  4. 4

    Do not sign that you agree if you need time to review; ask for copies of all documents.

If the first answer is no or wait

Escalate through the school and district ESE route, and use Florida dispute-resolution options when appropriate. A general phone call does not replace a written request.

Official sources

Sources checked August 9, 2026. Confirm eligibility, hours, cost, service area, and current availability directly.

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