What happens if the school misses the 60-day deadline to complete my child's evaluation?

A missed 60-day deadline (Cal. Ed. Code §§ 56043(f)(1), 56344(a)) is a procedural violation. First, send a written inquiry to the special education coordinator asking for a new completion date. If the district doesn't respond or the delay continues, you can file a compliance complaint with the California Department of Education (CDE), which investigates timeline violations and can require corrective action.

Does the 60-day evaluation clock pause over summer or school breaks?

School breaks of more than five days can affect how the 60-day window is calculated in certain situations under California law. Because this can vary by district and circumstance, ask your district's special education coordinator in writing exactly how they are counting the days — especially if a break falls within the evaluation period.

Can I request an IEP meeting whenever I want, or only at the annual review?

You can request an IEP meeting at any time, not just at the annual review. Once you make a written request, the district must hold the meeting within 30 calendar days (Cal. Ed. Code § 56343.5). Putting your request in writing helps establish the start of that 30-day clock.

How do I formally request an initial evaluation for my child?

Submit a written request — an email to the school principal or special education coordinator is sufficient — asking for a comprehensive evaluation to determine if your child is eligible for special education services. This right is protected under 20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1) and 34 C.F.R. § 300.301. Keep a copy and note the date you sent it, because that starts the 15-day clock for the district to provide an assessment plan.

What is Prior Written Notice, and why is it important?

Prior Written Notice (PWN) is a formal document the school must give you before making any change to — or refusing to change — your child's evaluation, placement, or services (20 U.S.C. § 1415(b)(3), (c)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.503). It explains what the district is proposing, why, and what alternatives were considered. It gives you the information you need to agree, ask questions, or formally disagree.

How quickly must the school provide my child's educational records after I request them?

Under Cal. Ed. Code § 56504, the district must provide the records you request within 5 business days. Submit your request in writing and keep a copy so you can track whether the deadline is met.

IEP Timelines and Deadlines in California

Understanding the key IEP timeline deadlines in California can feel overwhelming, but knowing these dates gives you real power to make sure your child gets the support they need — on time. California law builds specific, enforceable deadlines into every step of the special education process. This guide walks you through each one in plain language, so you always know what to expect and what to do if something falls behind.

Why Deadlines Matter in Special Education

Every day without the right support is a day your child may be missing out on learning. Deadlines are not just bureaucratic boxes to check — they are legal protections designed to keep the process moving and prevent children from falling through the cracks. Federal law (IDEA, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.) guarantees every eligible child a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) (20 U.S.C. § 1401(9); 34 C.F.R. § 300.17), and California's Education Code adds its own layer of specific timelines on top of that federal floor.

When you understand these timelines, you can track them, ask informed questions, and — if needed — advocate calmly and effectively for your child.

The 5 Core IEP Timeline Deadlines California Parents Need to Know

1. Assessment Plan — 15 Calendar Days

Once you submit a written request for an initial evaluation (your right under 20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.301), the school district has 15 calendar days to provide you with a written assessment plan (Cal. Ed. Code § 56321(a)).

An assessment plan is a document that describes:

Which areas of your child's development will be tested (e.g., academic achievement, speech/language, social-emotional functioning)
What tools and methods will be used
Your rights as a parent during the evaluation process

You must sign and return the assessment plan before the district can begin testing. The 60-day clock (see below) does not start until you return your signed consent.

Tip: Date-stamp or send your initial evaluation request in writing — email works — so you have a clear record of when the 15-day clock began.

2. Assessment Completion + IEP Meeting — 60 Calendar Days

After you return your signed assessment plan, the district has 60 calendar days to:

Complete all assessments, and
Hold the initial IEP meeting to review the results and develop your child's IEP

This combined deadline is set by Cal. Ed. Code §§ 56043(f)(1) and 56344(a).

A few important nuances:

School breaks of more than 5 days that fall within this window may pause the clock in certain situations — ask your district how they calculate the 60 days if a break is coming up.
The 60 days covers the entire process from signed consent to the IEP meeting — it is not just for testing.
You are an equal member of the IEP team and have the right to participate fully in the meeting.

3. Responding to a Parent-Requested IEP Meeting — 30 Calendar Days

You do not have to wait for a scheduled annual review if you have concerns. You can request an IEP meeting at any time. When you do, the district must hold that meeting within 30 calendar days of your request (Cal. Ed. Code § 56343.5).

This is a powerful tool. If you notice your child is struggling, a new need has emerged, or you want to discuss a change in placement or services, put your request in writing. The 30-day clock starts from the date the district receives it.

4. Responding to a Records Request — 5 Business Days

You have the right to review all educational records related to your child. Once you make a written records request, the district must provide them within 5 business days (Cal. Ed. Code § 56504).

Records you may want to request include:

Previous IEPs and progress reports
Assessment reports and evaluations
Attendance records
Any correspondence in your child's file

Having these records helps you prepare for IEP meetings, understand your child's history, and identify any gaps in services over time.

5. Annual IEP Review and Three-Year Reevaluation

Beyond the initial evaluation, two recurring timelines apply to every student with an IEP:

Annual IEP Review: The team must review and update your child's IEP at least once every 12 months. This ensures goals, services, and placement remain appropriate.
Three-Year Reevaluation (Triennial): The district must reevaluate your child at least every three years to confirm they still qualify for special education and that their needs are accurately identified. You can also request a reevaluation sooner if you believe your child's needs have changed.

What Is "Prior Written Notice" and When Do You Get It?

Prior Written Notice (PWN) is a formal document the school must provide whenever it proposes — or refuses — to change your child's identification, evaluation, placement, or services (20 U.S.C. § 1415(b)(3), (c)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.503). It must explain:

What the district is proposing or refusing to do
Why they are making that decision
What other options were considered
What data or reports support the decision

PWN must be given to you in a reasonable time before any change is implemented, giving you a genuine opportunity to respond. If a district makes a change without providing PWN, that is a procedural issue worth raising.

What to Do If the School Misses a Deadline

Missing a deadline does not automatically mean you need a lawyer, but it does mean you should act promptly. Here is a practical step-by-step approach:

Document everything. Keep copies of all written requests, emails, and correspondence with dates clearly noted.
Send a friendly written inquiry. Email the special education coordinator and ask for an updated timeline in writing. Most delays are administrative, not intentional.
Request a response in writing. Asking for written updates creates a paper trail that can be helpful later if needed.
Contact your district's Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). Every California district is part of a SELPA, which provides oversight and support. They can often help resolve timeline issues.
File a state complaint. If the delay continues, you can file a compliance complaint with the California Department of Education (CDE). The CDE investigates procedural violations, including missed deadlines, and can require corrective action.
Consider consulting an advocate or attorney. For high-stakes situations — such as a long-delayed evaluation, a missed IEP meeting that resulted in a lapse of services, or suspected retaliation — a qualified special education attorney or advocate can help you understand your full range of options.

Keeping Your Own Timeline Tracker

One of the most effective things you can do is maintain a simple log. Note the date of every request you make, every document you receive, and every meeting you attend. A basic spreadsheet or even a notebook works well.

When you walk into an IEP meeting knowing your dates, your child's history, and your rights, you become a more informed partner — and that benefits everyone at the table, especially your child.