IEP Timelines and Parent Rights: What Schools Have to Do—and When

If you’ve ever felt like you’re waiting forever to hear back from your school after requesting support, you’re not alone.

The good news? You don’t have to guess how long it should take—special education timelines are written into law.
And you have legal rights every step of the way.

Here’s a parent-friendly breakdown of the most important timelines and how to use them when advocating for your child.

🗓️ The Most Important Timeline: The Initial IEP Process

Let’s say you’ve just requested an evaluation in writing. What happens next?

1. Within 15 calendar days of receiving your request, the school must:

   • Respond with an assessment plan, OR

   • Provide a written explanation for why they’re denying the request

2. Once you sign and return the assessment plan, the school has:

   • 60 calendar days (excluding school breaks over 5 days) to:

     • Complete the assessments

     • Hold the IEP meeting to discuss eligibility and next steps

💡 Tip: The 60-day clock does not start until you return the signed plan.

✋ Your Rights During the IEP Process

You have the right to:

• Participate in all meetings about your child’s eligibility and services

• Receive copies of evaluations and reports before the IEP meeting (upon request)

• Ask for an interpreter or translated documents in your home language

• Disagree with the IEP and request changes or further evaluations

• Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the school’s assessment

📬 What If the School Misses a Deadline?

If timelines are not followed, you can:

• Politely remind the team of the legal requirement

• Put your concerns in writing (always document!)

• Escalate to the district special education director if needed

• File a compliance complaint with the California Department of Education (CDE)

⚖️ You are not being pushy for holding schools accountable. These timelines exist to protect your child’s right to an appropriate education.

✅ Pro Tip: Always Communicate in Writing

Whether you’re requesting an evaluation, asking for updates, or disagreeing with part of the IEP—do it in writing. Email is best. It creates a paper trail and starts the timeline.

If you’re not sure what to say, I created a free template to help you get started.

📥 [Download: IEP Request Email Template]
📅 [Book a free consult to review your timelines or evaluation plan]

💛 Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a lawyer to understand your rights. You just need the right tools—and a little support.

If you’re feeling stuck, behind, or unsure what should happen next, I’m here to help you navigate the system with confidence and care.