I would think that if the SD recommends former employees it is because they know what the evaluations will be like. I would think that the chances that they will agree with the SD are so large that I would not bother.
For our IEE, we sought out folks that had been viewed as creditable in hearing reports (in my area due process hearing decisions are available on line) so it is possible to see how some folks fare in a hearing.
But before you get your own SLP, ask the SD for the qualifications for the SLP for the SD to reimburse the IEE. They are allowed to place reasonable restrictions. I found that the restrictions in my local SD are amusingly biased. And in some places they restrictions have been so biased as to be illegal...
Incidentally, we got an independent SLP, and the SD asked for contact information. A couple of days later the SLP e-mailed to drop us half-way through the evaluation (was not paid for it), and refused to return our calls. So I would say if you can afford it, get the evaluation first and then seek reimbursement. But be sure that the SLP knows why you want the evaluation. Do point in this being a surprise for the SLP.
A lawyer in the background for advise might be in order as well.
Edited:
Do point in this being a surprise for the SLP.
Ought to have read:
No point in this being a surprise for the SLP.
Ugh this whole thing is so
But Ifigure -- the former employees clearly are loyal to the district. So stupid.
Maybe you could try theirs and see how it goes.... You mean the thug? Uh uh, no way. She told me the reason the school would not do therapy on my son was "that he is not a dum-dum." What kind of IDIOT would say such a thing? I finally told her my dd qualified for all kinds of services from the school, but SHE is no dum-dum, either! No...I mean the one through the school not the thugThe school is refusing me speech services! You mean the IEE???
She owns her company. Sounded drunk, too. Yes...sorry sometimes when typing it doesn't come across what I mean...I think I would have words with Child Services/BBB then on that lady! Warn some parents...so they don't waste their time either. I mentioned to the director that she was not too good. But frankly, I think it;d be hard to MISS her. She was LOADED or something.
SD sends me recommendatiosn for two SLPS to do the IEE on my son.
I google their names ... both retired/resigned from district, 2 - 3 yrs ago.
SHOULD I still use one of them, based on the SD being more apt to accept their evals?
UGH! I wish I could help ... I fought the SD for over a year and now they are finally accepting the dx and doing something about it...after they found out I had gotten an attorney and was ready to go to court.
But this is my kid who only needs ARTIC help ... and there are not even any volunteer advocates to work with him. THIS sucks. He is gonna fall through the cracks.
I had a private firm eval him at daycare (the kind who recruits a bunch of kids), but frankly the woman called me and she sounded like a tactless ignorant thug so I do not want to use her!
Seriously REPORT HER!