Eligibility Determination Document

An Eligibility Determination Document is a written report that summarizes the results of an evaluation process and determines whether a student is eligible for special education services under the IDEA. The document typically includes a description of the student’s strengths and needs, the specific assessments and data that were collected as part of the evaluation, and an analysis of how the student’s performance compares to established eligibility criteria for one or more disability categories (e.g., specific learning disability, autism, or emotional disturbance). The document may also include recommendations for the types of services and supports that the student may need to address their individual needs. The Eligibility Determination Document is typically prepared by a team of professionals, including special education teachers, school psychologists, and related service providers, and is based on a comprehensive review of the student’s educational, medical, and developmental history. The document is an important tool for ensuring that students who are eligible for special education services are identified and provided with appropriate supports and that decisions about eligibility are made based on objective data and criteria.