This guide provides introductory information on developmental and cultural issues that may affect evaluation of culturally and linguistically diverse children for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Although much of the information in this document may be useful for determining instruction and strategies, the primary focus is on helping teams determine a student's eligibility for special education services. It begins by reviewing developmental and cultural issues that may affect a student. Then, relevant IDEA requirements are discussed, including requirements for administering tests in the native language of the child unless it is clearly not feasible to do and providing notices and evaluation reports in the parents' native language. The next section discusses referral for evaluation for infants and toddlers and for school-age children. Language considerations, cultural considerations, instructional considerations, and developmental considerations are highlighted. The last major section deals with evaluation considerations. Each section lists references and additional resources that might be useful. The guide also includes a list of state and national resources in the area of teaching English as a second language (ESL), including interpreters and translators, and a glossary of associated terms. Appendices include an ESL screening interview checklist and a home language survey. (CR)