Updated on January 25, 2021 at 8:38 am NBC Universal, Inc. The School District of Philadelphia is opening six centers around the city to provide in-person assessments for students with special needs. The Specialized Services Regional Centers will begin operating Jan. 25 from within six schools throughout the city, the district said in a news release. The centers “will allow trained staff to conduct in-person student assessments and complete evaluations and reevaluations needed to inform Individualized Education Plans (IEPs),” according to the district. Download our mobile app for iOS to get alerts for local breaking news and weather. An IEP is a federal mandate for students with special needs enrolled in public schools. It generally sets out the educational and developmental goals for the child for a particular school year.