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Disability Suspected
The individual has made observations about a student and believes that the student might have a disability. They haven't yet put anything in writing. -
Referral
Student is referred to be evaluated for special education. If the referral is made by an individual other than a parent or guardian, the parent or guardian must be notified immediately. (15 days until next deadline) -
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Meet and Notify Parents
One the referral is made, the legal timeline of IDEA comes into play. The team must meet to decide how to move forward. They must also notify parents about the decision they are making, and get parental consent for evaluations, if they are moving forward.
The school has 15 days from when the referral is made to get through this step of an initial meeting, decision to proceed, and notification to parents. -
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Evaluations
Schools must complete evaluations, with parental consent, within 15 days of the referral date. The school is allowed 60 days to complete evaluations. -
Parents Get Access to Evaluation Results
Parents must be provided evaluation and assessment reports up to 5 days before the IEP Eligibility Determination meeting, so that they can review it and be prepared to participate. -
Determination of Eligibility/Disability
The parents must be invited to the IEP meeting that determines whether or not the student is eligible for services. -
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IEP Development
Within 30 days of determining that a child is eligible for special education and related services, the IEP team (parents included) must meet to begin developing the IEP for that student. -
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Annual IEP Review
The team must meet annually to review and revise the IEP, at least once per year. The IEP must be in place before the beginning of the school year. -
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Ongoing Monitoring
The services begin immediately after the IEP meeting, that creates the IEP. The teacher must monitor the effectiveness of the services in place, and the child's progress towards IEP goals. Another IEP meeting can be called if anyone is unsatisfied with the progress made, in order to make changes.
