Special Education · Checklist · Reviewed July 12, 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.

Why it matters

A conversation with a teacher matters. A dated written request starts a clearer record. Assessment, IEP, complaint, mediation, and due process are different steps.

Official first stop

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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.

Directory paths

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Use the nearby shelf when this is the right lane, or jump back to the full directory if the task changed names.

ShelfStart hereFind the right public office for everyday paperwork.DirectoryPaperwork & MoneyReturn to the full tools shelf.Nearby toolSchool, child care, and student paperworkChoose a first path for enrollment, transfers, records, an IEP, child care, school health papers, student aid, or a work permit.Nearby toolSchool enrollment, transfer, and records checkA first-step check for finding the district, enrolling, transferring, or requesting a student's records.A-ZFind another California pathUse the directory index when the task has a different name.

Special education assessment and IEP check

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