Special Education · Checklist · Reviewed July 14, 2026
Special education assessment and IEP check
A paper-trail check for requesting an assessment, reading an IEP, getting records, or choosing a dispute path.
The short version
Each paper starts a different clock
A referral starts the first step, and the district generally has 15 calendar days to write a proposed assessment plan. The parent then has at least 15 calendar days to decide on consent. The next 60-day clock — the one for the initial assessment and IEP team meeting — generally starts only after the district gets written consent from the parent.
What changes the answer: Days between school terms and long school breaks do not always count. A written extension, a transfer, repeated absences, or another listed exception can also change the count.
A conversation with a teacher matters. A dated written request starts a clearer record. Assessment, IEP, complaint, mediation, and due process are different steps.
How it works
A referral is not consent
A referral asks the district to assess. The proposed plan tells the parent what the district plans to assess. Written consent lets the first assessment move ahead. These are separate steps.
The district also needs informed written consent before it first provides special-education services. Consent for the assessment and consent for the first services are not the same choice. Different rules can apply for adult students, wards, surrogate parents, later assessments, and district due process.
The two 15-day periods do different jobs
The first 15-day period belongs to the district. It generally runs from receipt of the referral to the proposed plan. Days between regular school terms do not count. A school vacation longer than five schooldays does not count. The parent may agree in writing to more time.
The second period belongs to the parent. It starts when the parent gets the proposed plan. The parent has at least 15 calendar days to decide. The parent may answer sooner, ask for a change, or refuse consent.
The 60-day clock starts after written consent
The district generally has 60 days after it gets written consent from the parent. In that time, it must generally finish the initial assessment and hold the IEP team meeting. A teacher talk or the first referral does not start this later clock.
Days between regular school terms do not count. School vacations longer than five schooldays do not count. A written extension, transfer, repeated absences, or another legal exception can change the count. Match each date to the paper that starts it.
First moves
- 1
Describe the concern in plain words and ask in writing for a special-education assessment. Send it to the school or district and keep proof of delivery.
- 2
Name each area of concern. This may include learning, speech, attention, behavior, health, senses, mobility, or daily tasks. Attach useful records if available.
- 3
The district generally must develop a proposed assessment plan within 15 calendar days after receiving the referral. Longer school breaks and a written extension can change the count.
- 4
A parent has at least 15 calendar days after receiving the proposed plan to decide whether to consent. Ask questions before signing if an area is missing or unclear.
- 5
After written consent, the assessment and IEP meeting generally must be completed within 60 days. School breaks and listed exceptions can change the count.
- 6
Request the student's records in writing. The district generally must provide access and requested copies within five business days.
- 7
Read the proposed goals and services. Check frequency, location, accommodations, start date, and progress measures. Note anything that does not match the discussion.
- 8
Use a state compliance complaint for an alleged legal or IEP implementation violation. Mediation or due process can address other special-education disputes.
Watch for
- 1
A Student Study Team and a 504 plan are different tools. A special-education assessment and IEP are different too.
- 2
The 15-day and 60-day rules have exceptions. School breaks, transfers, consent, and written extensions can change the count.
- 3
The school needs informed written consent before an initial special-education assessment or first services.
- 4
A parent has the right to participate and to receive prior written notice when the district proposes or refuses certain actions.
- 5
A complaint and mediation request use different standards. Due process, records, and independent evaluations use other paths.
- 6
CDE generally investigates a complete state compliance complaint within 60 days, subject to allowed extensions and resolution paths.
- 7
Discipline and placement changes need prompt attention. So do restraint, seclusion, bullying, and immediate safety concerns.
Official sources
Where to confirm this
Use the source that matches the step you are on. Current forms, fees, deadlines, and agency decisions can change after this page is reviewed.
Use this as a map. It does not decide your rights, tell you what to file, or say someone broke the law. If a deadline, denial, eviction, firing, injury, tax bill, permit fight, or insurance dispute is on the line, use the official source or a licensed professional.