California IEP timelines are closely aligned with federal IEP timelines. Here is more information about what they are, and what to expect.
From the time you submit a written request for an assessment to determine whether your child qualifies for special education supports and services, the school district has 15 calendar days to respond with a plan to assess, or a denial saying they will not assess. Do note that verbal assessment requests do not count. To formalize the process and start the 15-day timeline, parents must request in writing their concerns about their child’s education, and the reasons supporting why the district should assess.
Once the parent receives the notification that the district agrees to assess, the parent may take as long as they wish to sign and return the permission to assess. However, until parents send the signed permission to the district, the school team may not begin to assess. This is why we ask parents to sign and return this document as soon as possible upon receipt. The permission form states the specific areas where the district agrees to assess, and often excludes some areas. If they have NOT included an area that is of concern, the parent can sign an agreement so that the district can start, and can also check the box near the bottom of the form (just above the signature) and ask the district to test in other areas. Be as specific as possible. Common examples are speech therapy, occupational therapy, functional behavior analysis.
From the time parents return the signed assessment form, the district has 60 calendar days to complete the assessments, finish the reports, and conduct the IEP team meeting.
When meeting for an initial IEP team meeting, many districts do not allow adequate time to review and discuss all reports, and then to develop a thorough IEP document. If you are not able to finish, please resist the temptation to rush through. While it is great to have it done, it is a lot easier to get it done right the first time. If you are still working on goals when time is up, ask that the team set a date for Part 2 during that first meeting. It tends to be a lot quicker to schedule a meeting when everyone is already in a meeting with you. If they offer to schedule it more than 30 days out, tell them that you are asking for an IEP team meeting, and that it must be within 30 days. Ask them to do it sooner if at all possible so that your child will have the supports and services they need as soon as possible.
At Aspire Advocacy, we have extensive experience writing requests for assessment, understanding pre-meeting reports, and provigind support during IEP team meetings. For help at your child’s next IEP meeting, more information about our special education advocacy services, or for a FREE 20-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for you, call or email today!
As parents, we understand. As advocates, we can help.