Independent Educational Evaluations · SF Bay Area, CA

Your child's education
deserves an independent voice.

When school assessments leave you with more questions than answers, you have the right to an independent evaluation — conducted by someone whose only obligation is to your family.

Licensed Educational Psychologist Credentialed School Psychologist 30+ Years in Bay Area Schools Preschool through Adult Age
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Dr. Tammy J. Forrest, PhD, LEP

"Every child deserves an evaluation that truly captures who they are — not just what a system needs to document."

Dr. Tammy J. Forrest, PhD, LEP #2758

30+
In public schools serving students with disabilities
Pre–K
to 22
Full age range served
4
Professional credentials & licenses
IEE
Independent Educational Evaluations

Understanding Your Rights

What is an Independent Educational Evaluation?

Under federal law (IDEA), parents have the right to request an IEE at public expense when they disagree with their school district's assessment. An IEE is conducted by a qualified professional who has no affiliation with the school district — someone whose only obligation is to your child and your family.

An IEE can provide a fuller picture of your child's learning profile, identify needs the school may have missed, and give you the independent data you need to advocate effectively at IEP meetings. Both district-funded and private-pay evaluations are available.

Cognitive Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of intellectual ability, memory, processing speed, and learning profile.

Academic Achievement

In-depth testing of reading, writing, math, and oral language to identify academic strengths and challenges.

Memory & Processing

Doctoral research–informed assessment of memory development and its impact on classroom learning.

Social & Adaptive Behavior

Evaluation of social-emotional functioning, adaptive skills, and behavioral factors affecting school success.

Areas of Specialization
Autism Spectrum Disorder Dyslexia & Reading Disabilities Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learning Disabilities ADHD Intellectual Disabilities

How It Works

A clear, parent-centered process

From first contact to final report, every step is designed to keep you informed, supported, and empowered to advocate for your child.

01

Free Initial Consultation

We talk through your concerns, your child's history, and what you're hoping to learn. No commitment required.

02

Records Review & Planning

I review existing school records, prior evaluations, and IEP documents to design a tailored assessment plan.

03

Comprehensive Evaluation

Direct assessment using evidence-based, standardized tools — with careful attention to your child's comfort and pace.

04

Report & IEP Support

A thorough written report plus a parent meeting to explain findings and prepare you to advocate at your IEP table.

About Dr. Forrest

Dr. Tammy J. Forrest

Dr. Tammy J. Forrest

PhD · Licensed Educational Psychologist
Credentialed School Psychologist
Credentialed School Administrator
Credentialed Classroom Teacher

After more than 30 years as a school psychologist inside California public schools — serving students from preschool through age 22 — I understand how school systems think, what IEP teams respond to, and how to translate complex findings into language that moves the needle for your child.

Connect with me on LinkedIn
Assessment Expertise

Comprehensive psychological and educational testing across the full age spectrum, informed by doctoral-level research in memory development.

School System Knowledge

Decades inside IEP teams means I know exactly how to frame findings so schools respond — and how to identify when they should be doing more.

Parent Communication

Clear, jargon-free explanations that help parents become confident, effective advocates for their children at every IEP meeting.

IEP Meeting Preparation

I prepare parents not just with a report, but with the questions to ask, the data to reference, and the rights to assert.

Autism & Twice-Exceptional

Specialized experience identifying and supporting students with autism, dyslexia, and twice-exceptional profiles that schools often underserve.

Early Childhood through Transition

From preschool eligibility determinations to transition-age adult assessments for post-secondary planning under IDEA.

Parent Resources

Your questions, answered plainly.

Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming. Here are answers to the questions parents ask most often.

Can I request an IEE even if my school already did an evaluation?+
Yes. Under IDEA, if you disagree with your school district's evaluation — for any reason — you have the right to request an IEE at public expense. The school may ask why you disagree, but you are not required to explain in detail.
What does "IEE at public expense" mean?+
It means the school district pays for the evaluation — not you. The district must either fund the IEE or initiate a due process hearing to prove their evaluation was appropriate. Most districts pay. I accept both district-funded and private-pay arrangements.
What if we prefer to pay privately?+
Many families choose to retain me privately for speed, confidentiality, or greater control over the process. A privately funded IEE still must be considered by the IEP team under federal law. Contact me to discuss fees.
How long does the process take?+
Typically 4–6 weeks from initial consultation to final report, depending on your child's availability and the complexity of assessment needed. I prioritize clear timelines and keep you updated throughout.
Will you attend our IEP meeting?+
Yes, upon request. Having an independent evaluator present at an IEP meeting often fundamentally changes the dynamic in the room. This is an add-on service we can discuss during your consultation.
My child has never been evaluated. Can you help?+
Yes. If you suspect your child has a disability or learning difference and the school has not yet evaluated them — or you want an independent perspective before the school does — I can conduct an initial comprehensive evaluation.
Do you work with students who have autism or are twice-exceptional?+
Yes, these are areas of specific focus in my practice. Twice-exceptional students — those who are both gifted and have a disability — are frequently misidentified or underserved by schools. My evaluations are designed to capture the full complexity of these profiles.

Key Parent Rights Under IDEA

  • Right to request a full, comprehensive evaluation at no cost to you
  • Right to an IEE if you disagree with the school's evaluation
  • Right to have IEE results considered at any IEP meeting
  • Right to all records related to your child's special education
  • Right to be an equal participant — not just an observer — at IEP meetings
  • Right to request mediation or due process if disputes cannot be resolved
  • Right to give or withhold consent at every stage of the process
  • Right to an interpreter if English is not your primary language

A Note to Bay Area Parents

Bay Area families are among the most informed and engaged in the country when it comes to advocating for their children. My practice is designed for parents who want real data, real answers, and a real partner — not reassurance. Whether your child is in San Francisco, the East Bay, South Bay, or the Peninsula, I am here to help you navigate the system with clarity and confidence.

Get in Touch

Let's talk about
your child.

A free 20-minute consultation call is the best first step. There's no obligation — just an honest conversation about what you're concerned about and how I might help.

Phone

(916) 580-4217

Email

drtjforrest@gmail.com

Service Area

SF Bay Area · Remote Statewide

Serving the SF Bay Area

San Francisco · Oakland · Berkeley · San Jose · Palo Alto · Marin County · Contra Costa County · Alameda County · Santa Clara County · San Mateo County. Remote consultation and report review available throughout California.

Fees: District-funded IEEs (public expense) and private-pay evaluations are both accepted. Please contact me to discuss fees and availability.

I respond to all inquiries within one business day. All information is kept strictly confidential.