In IEP timelines, there is a set of standards that school districts must observe to be in compliance with state and federal regulations. Here are some of the events in IEP Timelines that may help you in the IEP process:
Request To Assess
In IEP timelines, assessments are a critical part of the whole process. If you have requested—in writing—that your school district assess your child for special education ability, the district must respond to the request within 15 calendar days. If the school district responds with a, “No,” ask for their response in writing. With this written denial, you need to immediately file a compliance complaint with the California Department of Education. This does not happen in all IEP timelines, but it is best to be prepared.
When your school district agrees to test your child for special education ability, you must then sign for permission to test before the school district can begin.
IEP Team Meetings To Discuss Assessments
IEP team meetings are important in IEP timelines because the meetings make it possible for you to discuss your child’s assessments with your school district. The school district has 60 calendar days to complete all assessments on your child’s special education ability and then schedule an
IEP team meeting. Please note that this meeting must take place within the 60-day timeline, not after. Most IEP team meetings regarding the assessments will take place 55 to 60 days after you have signed permission for the school to assess.
An Annual IEP
Your child’s district is required to meet to discuss your child’s IEP at least once a year. The first page of your child’s last IEP will show you when the annual meeting is due in the bottom, right-hand corner. The annual review can take place earlier than the date listed, but may not be after that date.
An Exception to IEP Timelines
The one exception to all IEP timelines: when school is out for more than a week. Those weeks are not counted towards any timelines mentioned in this article.
Optional Items In IEP Timelines
Calling Additional Meetings
You or the school district may call additional IEP team meetings at any time. You are not required to give them a reason why you are requesting a meeting. They MUST schedule the IEP within 30 calendar days of your written request. If the District calls the meeting, we strongly recommend you attend. If you are requesting the meeting, perhaps give them an idea of why you wish to meet so that they can be ready. Some districts can be very frustrating and not very collaborative. Appearing as collaborative as possible is frequently to your advantage.
What happens to my IEP Timelines if my child’s annual meeting has poor timing?
Perhaps your child’s annual meeting is during your busiest time of work. It could be just before winter holidays, it could be around tax time, or it could be at the very end of the school year when things are more than a little frenetic.
What Can You Do?
Change the date! If your child’s annual is May 30, 2021, email the team as far ahead as possible and request that the annual meeting date change permanently to the date(s) of your choice. You will still have to hold an annual meeting prior to May 30, but you could have the meeting in February, March, or April. Whatever new date you choose becomes the date for your child’s annual IEP meeting from now on. If you choose April 1, 2021, then the next IEP would have to be scheduled by April 1, 2022.
Would you like expert help at your child’s next IEP meeting? Talk to an advocate from Aspire Advocacy!
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