School-Based Multidisciplinary Evaluations & Child Study Team (CST) Assessments

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Is your child struggling in school with learning, behavior, speech, or emotional regulation? Has your school’s Child Study Team (CST) recommended a special education evaluation? Or have you requested one yourself, and want to understand what to expect? A school-based multidisciplinary evaluation is the first step in determining if a student qualifies for services under an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

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At Leonard Educational Evaluations, we offer expert, IDEA-compliant multidisciplinary evaluations and serve as independent evaluators for school districts and parents. With over 20 years of school psychology and special education experience, we assess students holistically—across cognitive, academic, emotional, and functional domains.

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What Is a Multidisciplinary Evaluation?

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A multidisciplinary evaluation (also called an initial CST evaluation or MDE) is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a team of qualified professionals to determine:

• If a student meets criteria for one or more educational disabilities under IDEA

• How that disability impacts the student’s educational performance

• What specialized services, supports, or placement are appropriate

It is the formal gateway to IEP eligibility and special education programming.

These evaluations are legally required to be comprehensive, individualized, and multi-sourced—not based on any single test or observation.

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Who Is on the Child Study Team?

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The Child Study Team (CST) typically includes:

• A School Psychologist (assesses cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional functioning)

• A Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDTC) (evaluates academic achievement and learning profiles)

• A School Social Worker (gathers developmental, family, and social history)

• Additional specialists such as:

  • Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

  • Occupational Therapist (OT)

  • Physical Therapist (PT)

  • Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

  • Nurse or medical personnel (as needed)

Our evaluations mirror and often exceed school-based CST standards, ensuring data-rich and actionable results that stand up in IEP meetings and due process hearings.

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What’s Included in a School-Based Evaluation?

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A multidisciplinary or CST evaluation through Leonard Educational Evaluations may include:

• Comprehensive parent/caregiver interview

• Review of school records, prior evaluations, and academic history

• Cognitive testing 

• Academic achievement testing (e.g., WIAT-4, Woodcock-Johnson IV)

• Social-emotional and behavioral assessments 

• Classroom observations or teacher input (when applicable)

• Executive functioning and processing speed screening

• Adaptive behavior measures (if relevant)

• Speech/language or OT assessments (when requested by the team)

• A full written report with diagnostic impressions, IDEA classification guidance, and tailored IEP recommendations

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We evaluate IDEA disability categories, including:

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• Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Emotional Disturbance (ED)

• Other Health Impairment (OHI – e.g., ADHD)

• Speech/Language Impairment

• Intellectual Disability

• Multiple Disabilities

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Why Families and Districts Choose Our CST Evaluations

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Whether you’re a school seeking an independent multidisciplinary team or a parent requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), our approach is:

-Comprehensive – assessing all areas of suspected disability

-Objective & Legal – compliant with federal and state special education laws

-Clinically & Educationally Grounded – bridging the gap between diagnosis and school services

-Clear & Collaborative – written for IEP teams, explained to families, and usable in proceedings

-Highly Regarded – trusted by school districts, advocates, attorneys, and medical professionals across PA, NJ, and NYC

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Request a School-Based Evaluation or Independent CST Assessment

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If your district requires an outside evaluator or you're a parent seeking clarity on your child’s special education eligibility, we’re here to help.  Call 267-702-6328 to schedule a Multidisciplinary or Child Study Team Evaluation today.