Who this is for
Children ages 3 to 5 who live in San Francisco and haven't started kindergarten. Your child doesn't need to attend an SFUSD preschool, and you don't need a diagnosis to ask.
If your child is in Early Start through Golden Gate Regional Center and turning 3, the transition meeting is the usual route. You can still contact SFUSD directly if you're worried the timing will slip.
Who to contact
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Assessment Unit: San Francisco Unified School District
A free special education assessment, whether or not your child attends a district preschool.
- Ages3 to 5
- CostFree
- How to startAsk in writing
- TimelinePlan within 15 days, results within 60 days of signing
- LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Chinese + 4 more
How to ask the district, step by step
- For children ages 3 to 5.
- SFUSD says: 'If you would like to request a special education assessment of your child please review the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Preschool Intake Packet.'
- The packet includes a questionnaire and required documents, and it is published in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Russian.
- The Assessment Unit is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- SFUSD's ECSE Services page also lists a fax number, (415) 920-5075.
Write your request letter with the California timelines included.
Checked Oct 16, 2026 · sfusd.edu
The California timelines
- 1
You make a written request
Email or deliver the intake packet or a dated letter. Keep a copy. A written request starts the legal clock.
- 2
SFUSD sends an assessment plan within 15 days
The plan lists which areas will be tested and by whom. School breaks longer than five school days don't count toward the 15 days.
- 3
You have at least 15 days to decide
Read the plan, ask questions, and sign if you agree. The assessment can start as soon as SFUSD has your signed consent.
- 4
Assessment and IEP meeting within 60 days
SFUSD must finish the assessment and hold an IEP meeting within 60 days of receiving your signed consent, again not counting breaks longer than five school days.
Our free letter tool fills in your district and the California timelines. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Open the letter toolWhen your child is school-age
Special education assessment: San Francisco Unified School District
A free special education assessment for students in the district.
- AgesKindergarten to 12th grade
- CostFree
- How to startAsk in writing
- TimelinePlan within 15 days, results within 60 days of signing
- LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Chinese + 4 more
- Phone(415) 759-2222
- OnlineDistrict assessment page
How to ask the district, step by step
- For a student in an SFUSD public school, SFUSD's instruction is: 'Email the School Principal about your request for a special education assessment.'
- For a San Francisco private or parochial school student, complete the PPPSS - SFUSD Interest and Referral Form and email it to privateschoolreferrals@sfusd.edu, or mail it or drop it off at SFUSD Special Education Services, Attn: Private/Parochial Assessments, 3045 Santiago St, San Francisco, CA 94116.
- For other evaluations (for example speech or occupational therapy), or if you're unsure who to contact, call SFUSD Special Education Services at (415) 759-2222.
Write your request letter with the California timelines included.
Checked Oct 16, 2026 · sfusd.edu
Sources
- San Francisco Unified School District: Special education assessments
- California Education Code 56029: Referral for assessment
- California Education Code 56043: Special education timelines
- California Education Code 56321: Assessment plan
- California Education Code 56344: IEP within 60 days
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