California State-Licensed Evaluators • LEP #2703

Independent Educational Evaluations You Can Trust

When you need clarity about a student's learning needs, Comprehensive Assessment Services (CAS) delivers thorough, evidence-based Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs). We serve parents seeking second opinions and school districts requiring objective assessments—providing psychoeducational evaluations, specialized dyslexia assessments, speech/language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and Adapted PE evaluations throughout California.

Why Choose CAS for Your Independent Educational Evaluation?

Whether you're a parent exercising your right to an IEE or a district seeking qualified evaluators, CAS provides comprehensive, legally compliant assessments across all special education domains—delivered with professionalism, compassion, and strict adherence to state and federal guidelines.

Credentialed Specialists

Every CAS evaluation is conducted by state-licensed professionals—including Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEP), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP), Occupational Therapists (OT), Physical Therapists (PT), and Adapted PE specialists—ensuring legally defensible, clinically sound assessments.

Truly Independent Assessments

As independent evaluators with no institutional conflicts of interest, we provide objective, data-driven findings focused solely on accurately identifying each student's strengths, challenges, and educational needs—not budget constraints or administrative pressures.

Efficient 30-Day Completion

We respect IEP timelines and family urgency. From initial testing to final report delivery, CAS completes comprehensive evaluations within 30 days—without compromising thoroughness or quality.

California-Wide Availability

From Los Angeles to Sacramento, San Diego to the Bay Area—CAS serves all California counties with flexible in-person and telehealth evaluation options, ensuring access regardless of location.

California Education Code § 56344

California 60-Day IEE Timeline & Eligibility Calculator

Check if your school district has violated statutory assessment deadlines or if you qualify for a district-funded Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at no cost to your family.

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Under California Education Code § 56344 and IDEA 34 C.F.R. § 300.301, school districts must complete all evaluations and convene an IEP team meeting within strictly 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent.
Your Next Strategic Step:

If your school district is approaching or exceeding the 60-day deadline, or if you dispute the district's findings, you have the right to request an independent evaluation at public expense.

Comprehensive IEE Assessment Areas

CAS provides Independent Educational Evaluations across all special education domains required under IDEA. Each assessment is tailored to the student's unique needs and conducted by appropriately credentialed specialists.

Psychoeducational Evaluations

Comprehensive assessment of cognitive abilities, academic achievement, executive functioning, attention, memory, and processing speed—evaluating dyslexia, specific learning disabilities, ADHD, and conditions affecting educational performance.

Speech & Language Pathology

In-depth assessment of articulation, phonology, receptive and expressive language, pragmatic communication, fluency, and voice—conducted by licensed SLPs to identify speech and language disorders impacting educational access.

Occupational Therapy Assessments

Evaluation of fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, self-care abilities, and classroom participation—determining how motor and sensory challenges affect a student's ability to access curriculum and participate in school activities.

Physical Therapy Evaluations

Assessment of gross motor development, strength, balance, coordination, mobility, and physical endurance—identifying how motor impairments affect educational participation and determining needs for adaptive equipment or environmental modifications.

Adapted Physical Education (APE)

Specialized assessment of motor skills, physical fitness, and functional abilities required for participation in physical education—determining eligibility for Adapted PE services and appropriate accommodations or modifications.

Dyslexia Assessments & Testing

Targeted diagnostic evaluations pinpointing phonological processing, decoding, reading fluency, and rapid naming deficits—delivering evidence-based structured literacy recommendations aligned with California Dyslexia Guidelines.

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Meet the Director

Founded by Donald Ghrist, LEP, Comprehensive Assessment Services was established to provide families and school districts with truly independent, high-quality educational evaluations—ensuring every student's needs are accurately identified and appropriately addressed.

Donald Ghrist, LEP
"Every child deserves an accurate, unbiased assessment. Our mission is to provide families and districts with the clarity needed to make informed educational decisions—grounded in evidence, delivered with integrity."
Donald Ghrist, Licensed Educational Psychologist (#2703), brings over 25 years of experience conducting psychoeducational evaluations for students with diverse learning needs. He leads a multidisciplinary team of credentialed specialists committed to delivering legally compliant, clinically sound, and compassionate Independent Educational Evaluations.
Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #2703)
25+ Years Conducting Special Education Assessments
Expertise in IEE, IDEA Compliance, and IEP Development
Call Center: (661) 743-9600

The IEE Process

From initial referral to final report, CAS follows a clear, efficient process designed to minimize stress and maximize clarity for families and districts.

1

Referral & Intake

Initial Assessment Plan

Parents request an IEE from their district, or districts contract directly with CAS. We streamline all consent forms, records requests, and administrative requirements to begin assessment promptly.

2

Comprehensive Testing

Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Our credentialed specialists conduct standardized testing, classroom observations, parent/teacher interviews, and records review—gathering comprehensive data across all relevant domains to ensure accurate identification of strengths and needs.

3

Report & IEP Support

30-Day Delivery & Attendance

Within 30 days, we deliver a comprehensive written report with test results, clinical observations, diagnostic impressions, and specific recommendations for IEP goals, services, accommodations, and modifications—ready for IEP team consideration.

Start the Process

Serving All of California

CAS provides Independent Educational Evaluations to families and school districts in all 58 California counties—from urban centers to rural communities, with flexible in-person and telehealth options.

Virtual & In-Person options available. Contact us to confirm availability in your school district.
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Common Questions (FAQ)

Answers to common questions about Independent Educational Evaluations, parent rights under IDEA, and the CAS assessment process.

Who has the right to request an IEE?

Under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), parents have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense if they disagree with the school district's evaluation. The district must either fund the IEE or initiate a due process hearing to defend their assessment.

What assessment areas does CAS cover?

CAS provides Independent Educational Evaluations across key special education domains: Psychoeducational evaluations (cognitive, academic, social-emotional), specialized Dyslexia assessments, Speech & Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Adapted Physical Education (APE)—each conducted by appropriately licensed specialists.

What is the timeline for completing an IEE?

From signed consent to final report delivery, CAS completes comprehensive evaluations within 30 days. This includes all testing sessions, observations, scoring, analysis, and report writing—ensuring timely results for IEP meetings and educational planning.

Will the evaluator attend the IEP meeting?

Yes. CAS evaluators are available to attend IEP meetings (in-person or virtually) to present findings, answer questions, clarify recommendations, and collaborate with the IEP team. This ensures our assessment results are fully understood and appropriately integrated into the student's educational program.

Does CAS meet district IEE criteria?

Yes. CAS evaluators hold all required state licenses and credentials, use current standardized assessment instruments, follow professional ethical guidelines, and produce reports that meet both state and federal special education requirements. We work with districts throughout California and are familiar with varying local IEE policies.

Are telehealth/virtual assessments available?

Yes. CAS offers both in-person and telehealth evaluation options using validated digital assessment tools. Virtual assessments are particularly useful for students in remote areas, those with scheduling constraints, or when in-person testing presents barriers—while maintaining the same rigorous standards as traditional evaluations.

Contact Us for More Information