Pennsylvania School District ABA Evaluation Process: A Parent's Guide
In short: In Pennsylvania, a school district ABA evaluation typically begins with a parent request for an evaluation under IDEA. The district must complete it within 60 calendar days. The evaluation determines eligibility for special education services, which may include ABA. If approved, ABA can be provided in school or through an IEP. ABA For My Child is a free service that can help match you with BCBA-led providers.
Key takeaways
- The process starts with a written request for a special education evaluation, often under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Pennsylvania schools have 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation and hold an IEP meeting (with some exceptions).
- The evaluation team includes a BCBA or other qualified professional to assess the need for ABA therapy.
- If ABA is deemed necessary, it can be written into the IEP as a related service or as part of the core special education program.
Understanding the School District ABA Evaluation in Pennsylvania
If your child has an autism diagnosis and you're considering ABA therapy, the public school district may be an important partner. In Pennsylvania, school districts are required to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children with disabilities, including those with autism. ABA therapy, when recommended by a qualified professional, can be provided as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This evaluation process is your starting point.
ABA For My Child is a free service that can help you understand your options and get matched with vetted BCBA-led providers-whether through the school, insurance, or private pay. Let's walk through what a school district evaluation looks like from start to finish.
🔗 Related reading: ABA for Mild Autism: Is It Worth It? · Local ABA Therapy
Step 1: Requesting an Evaluation
Who can request an evaluation?
Parents, guardians, or even school staff can request an evaluation. In Pennsylvania, you should make the request in writing to your child's school principal or the district's special education director. Keep a copy for your records. The request should include your child's name, date of birth, your concerns, and any supporting documentation (such as a medical diagnosis of autism or a private ABA evaluation).
Timelines for the request
Pennsylvania follows federal IDEA timelines. After the district receives your written request, they must provide you with a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement/Prior Written Notice (NOREP/PWN) within 10 school days, either agreeing to evaluate or explaining why they refuse. If they agree, the evaluation must be completed within 60 calendar days from the date you gave consent. Note: This 60-day clock does not include school breaks of more than 5 school days, and there are exceptions for certain circumstances.
Step 2: The Evaluation Process
Who conducts the evaluation?
The evaluation is conducted by a multidisciplinary team that includes at least one teacher and one specialist qualified to assess your child's specific needs. For autism, this team often includes a school psychologist, a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist, and-crucially-a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a professional with expertise in applied behavior analysis. If the district lacks a BCBA on staff, they may contract with an outside provider.
What does the evaluation involve?
The evaluation typically includes a review of your child's medical and educational history, observations in the classroom and other settings, standardized assessments of cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral functioning, and interviews with parents and teachers. For ABA specifically, the evaluator will assess your child's social skills, communication, repetitive behaviors, and any challenging behaviors that interfere with learning. They may use tools like the VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, or a functional behavior assessment (FBA).
Part C Early Intervention (ages 0-3)
If your child is younger than 3, the evaluation process is different. Pennsylvania's Early Intervention system (Part C of IDEA) provides services for infants and toddlers. You can request an evaluation through your county's Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities (MH/ID) office or the Early Intervention program. These evaluations are also free and can lead to an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that may include ABA therapy.
🔗 Related reading: Summer & After-School ABA Programs in Arizona · Apply for ABA
Step 3: Determining Eligibility
Eligibility categories
To qualify for special education services, your child must meet criteria under one of the IDEA disability categories. For ABA therapy, the most common category is Autism, but children with other disabilities can also benefit from ABA if it addresses behavioral or social needs. Pennsylvania uses specific criteria: for autism, there must be documented deficits in social interaction and communication, along with restricted or repetitive behaviors.
The evaluation report
Once the evaluation is complete, the team writes a comprehensive evaluation report (ER) that summarizes findings, diagnoses, and recommendations. This report will state whether ABA therapy is recommended and list the frequency, duration, and setting (e.g., classroom, pull-out, one-on-one). You have the right to receive a copy of this report before the IEP meeting.
Step 4: The IEP Meeting
Who attends the meeting?
The IEP team includes you (the parent), at least one general education teacher, one special education teacher, a district representative (often the special education director or supervisor), and any evaluators or providers. If ABA was recommended, the BCBA who conducted the evaluation or a BCBA from the district should be present. You can also bring an advocate or a private BCBA to the meeting.
What happens at the meeting?
The team reviews the evaluation report and drafts the IEP document. For ABA, this means agreeing on specific goals (e.g., increasing eye contact, reducing aggression, improving toileting skills) and determining how many hours of ABA per week your child will receive. The IEP will also address where the services are provided-in the classroom, a separate therapy room, or through a medical model (which may involve Medicaid or private insurance).
If the team agrees that ABA is necessary, the district must provide it as a related service (like speech therapy) or as the core of the special education program. The IEP must include a plan for measuring progress, including data collection by a BCBA or behavior technician.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
School district funding
Services written into an IEP are provided at no cost to you. The school district uses a combination of state and federal special education funds, as well as local tax revenue. However, some districts are underfunded and may try to limit ABA hours. If you disagree with the proposed IEP, you can request mediation or a due process hearing.
Medicaid (Medical Assistance) in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Medicaid program, called Medical Assistance (MA), covers ABA therapy for children under 21 if it is deemed medically necessary. The school district can bill MA for services provided during the school day if you have given consent. Additionally, families with private insurance may use those benefits for ABA outside of school, or to supplement school-provided ABA. The school cannot deduct services from your insurance without your consent.
ABA For My Child can help you navigate insurance coverage and connect you with BCBA-led providers who accept your plan. Even if your child qualifies for school-based ABA, you may want additional hours at home; our service can find vetted providers for that.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Keep detailed records: Save all correspondence, evaluation reports, and IEP documents. Create a binder with tabs for each category.
- Request an evaluation as soon as you suspect a need: Early intervention can lead to better outcomes. Don't wait for a formal autism diagnosis-a school evaluation can also lead to a diagnosis through the district's evaluation.
- Bring an advocate: Consider joining a local parent group (e.g., PA Parents for Autism) or hiring a special education advocate who knows ABA and school law.
- Ask for a BCBA on the team: If the district doesn't have one, request that they contract with a BCBA for the evaluation and for service delivery.
- Understand your rights: Review the Pennsylvania Parental Rights in Special Education (PDE-104) booklet. You have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the district's evaluation.
- Be present and speak up: At the IEP meeting, state clearly that you want ABA therapy included. Bring a list of your child's needs and suggest specific goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the district will automatically propose ABA: You may need to request it explicitly. Some districts are not experienced with ABA and may offer other services instead.
- Signing consent without understanding: Never sign the NOREP or IEP on the spot. Take it home, review it, and talk to an advocate if needed.
- Missing the 60-day deadline: If the district misses the deadline, they may be liable for compensatory services. Keep track of dates and follow up if you haven't heard back.
- Not considering private ABA: School-based ABA is often limited (e.g., 10-20 hours per week). Many children benefit from additional hours through insurance or private pay. ABA For My Child can help you find providers that complement school services.
Pennsylvania schools can be a strong partner in providing ABA therapy, but the evaluation process requires proactive steps from parents. You don't have to do it alone. ABA For My Child is a free service that matches families with vetted, BCBA-led ABA providers-whether through the school system, your private insurance, or Medical Assistance. Let us help you find the right support for your child today.