Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) in Charlotte, NC
Comprehensive, Unbiased, Clarity for Educational Planning
What is an IEE?
When a school’s evaluation doesn’t fully capture a child’s learning profile, or when a team needs an objective second opinion, families have the legal right to seek an outside perspective. An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a private evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the school system. If you disagree with the school's evaluation of your child, federal law gives you the right to request an IEE.
These independent evaluations are typically paid for by your child’s school district.
At Mind Mosaic Psychology, we provide comprehensive, unbiased evaluations designed to clarify learning needs, confirm or challenge school-based findings, and support educational planning.
What Does an IEE Assess?
Every Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is tailored to the specific referral questions raised by the family or the school team. We follow best-practice standards to ensure our data provides actionable insights for Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 plan development.
A few examples of the comprehensive student assessments we may complete during an IEE include:
Cognitive & Intellectual Functioning: Mapping how a student learns, processes, and retains information to identify individual strengths and potential learning disabilities.
Academic Achievement Testing: Measuring specific educational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics to pinpoint gaps and establish baseline data for educational planning.
Attention & Executive Functioning: Assessing focus, organization, self-regulation, and working memory to support students who may struggle with ADHD or related challenges.
Learning & Memory: Evaluating how a student acquires, stores, and recalls new information within an academic setting.
Social-Emotional Development: Examining emotional well-being, mood, and interpersonal skills to ensure a complete picture of a student’s mental health needs.
Adaptive Behavior: Measuring daily living skills and functional independence across home and school environments to support holistic student development.
The Result: A Tool for Collaborative Progress
Translating Data into School-Based Support
We believe an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) should serve as a clear bridge between clinical findings and classroom success. What sets our evaluations apart from other providers is our firsthand experience working directly within the school system.
Sarah Smead, MS, LPA, and Taylor Shirkey, MS, LPA, are both Nationally Certified School Psychologists and licensed private practitioners. Because they have spent years working inside schools, they know exactly how to navigate complex educational frameworks and policies—from initial referrals to reevaluations and annual IEP reviews.
We don’t just hand you a clinical report; we deliver a practical roadmap that connects the clinic to the classroom. Every evaluation we provide includes:
A Detailed Learning Profile: A comprehensive, easy-to-understand analysis of how the student learns, processes, and retains information.
Actionable Recommendations: Specific, school-ready strategies and accommodations designed to be directly implemented by the school team.
Collaborative Evidence: High-quality, objective data that empowers families and schools to work together effectively.
Our ultimate goal is to equip your team with the clinical insights needed to ensure every student has the tools to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions: IEEs
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An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified, private psychologist who does not work for the school district. It is designed to provide an objective second opinion on a student's educational needs and disabilities.
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If you disagree with the school district's evaluation of your child, you have the right under IDEA to request an IEE at public expense. If approved, the school district covers the cost of the evaluation.
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You must submit a written request to your school's Special Education department stating that you disagree with their evaluation and are requesting an IEE at public expense. We can consult with you on this process.
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Yes, our psychologists have extensive experience with the public school system, IEPs, and educational law, making us highly qualified to conduct IEEs for families in the Charlotte area.
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We provide a comprehensive report that the school's IEP team is legally required to review and consider when making decisions regarding your child’s educational placement and accommodations.
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We can attend meetings as our schedules allow. We recognize that having a clinician at the table ensures that the school team understands the assessment data.
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We provide objective, rigorous testing that schools respect. We bridge the gap between clinical data and the classroom, offering specific, actionable recommendations for your child's IEP team. When a school's evaluation doesn't fully capture a child’s learning profile, or when a team needs a specialized "second opinion," families have the legal right to seek an outside perspective. At Mind Mosaic Psychology, we provide Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) that are rigorous, objective, and specifically designed to be integrated into the school setting.
Schedule an Appointment
For more information about an IEE for your child, Click Here or call (704) 765-2549.