IEP Evaluation Timelines and Dispute Routes by State

Each row is read against the state education agency or the state's IDEA Part B rules; a few rows carry a confirm note at the exact cell. Read against IDEA, 34 CFR 300.301 and each state's own rules on July 19, 2026. Jump to sources

How does my state's IEP evaluation timeline compare?

Under IDEA, a public agency must complete a child's initial special education evaluation within 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent, unless the state sets its own timeframe (34 CFR 300.301(c)(1)). About half the states keep that federal default. A large group shortens it, most often to 45 or 30 school days. A smaller group sets a longer combined window that covers the evaluation, the eligibility decision and sometimes the first IEP together, measured from referral rather than consent. The table below gives each state's headline number, the unit it is measured in, where it starts counting and the state code or regulation it comes from, plus the three dispute resolution routes every state offers under IDEA: a state complaint, mediation and a due process hearing.

How to use this table. This table is general information to help you understand how your state's initial evaluation timeline compares to the federal default under IDEA. It is not legal advice. Timelines, rule numbers and agency names change, so always confirm the current requirement with your state department of education or a local special education advocate before relying on a specific day count.

Prefer to look up one state? The evaluation deadline checker is the pick-your-state front door to this same data.

The federal default

Under IDEA, a public agency must conduct a child's initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent for the evaluation, unless the state establishes its own timeframe. A calendar day includes weekends, holidays and school breaks unless a rule says otherwise. Source: 34 CFR 300.301(c)(1).

The days figure is the number a family would use to check whether an evaluation is on time. usesFederalDefault is true only when a state's number is exactly 60 calendar days measured from parental consent, the same as the federal rule. Where a state measures from written referral instead of consent, or folds the IEP into the same clock, that is called out in deviationNote so the comparison stays honest rather than just lining up numbers that measure different things.

Grouped by how each state sets the clock, not on one shared scale. State initial-evaluation timelines compared to the federal default of 60 calendar days from parental consent (34 CFR 300.301(c)(1)). States measure in different units, so each row shows its own unit rather than sitting on a shared scale. Marked states are corroborated by an official source but the exact rule subsection is not yet independently confirmed. Verified July 19, 2026; each state row in the table below links its source. General information, not legal advice; confirm the current requirement with your state. The full table below carries every state with its citation.

State	Initial evaluation window	What is different from the federal rule	Source
Alabama	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Alabama follows the federal 60 calendar day default measured from signed parental consent. The public agency then has 30 more calendar days after the evaluation is complete to determine initial eligibility.	Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.02www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/alabama/Al
Alaskaconfirm	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Alaska follows the federal 60 calendar day default to complete the evaluation and determine eligibility after parental consent. If the child is found eligible, the IEP must be developed within 30 days of that determination, so the full window from consent to a finished IEP can run up to 90 calendar days.	Alaska Admin. Code 4 AAC 52 (Special Education); AS 14.30.278education.alaska.gov/regsDay count corroborated by an official source; the exact rule subsection was not independently confirmed. Confirm the current figure with Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.
Arizona	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Arizona follows the federal 60 calendar day default. Schools must respond to a parent's evaluation request within 15 school days. The 60 day period can be extended by up to 30 more days if the parent and school agree in writing.	Ariz. Admin. Code R7-2-401(E)(3)www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/arizona/Ar
Arkansas	60 days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Arkansas follows the federal 60 day default for completing testing. A separate Evaluation and Programming Conference to determine eligibility must then be held within 30 calendar days of finishing the testing.	005.18.10 Ark. Code R. 001 (Special Education Procedural Requirements and Programs Standards)www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/arkansas/0
California	60 days (excludes school vacation periods longer than 5 days) State-specific from parental written consent for assessment	California develops the IEP itself within 60 days of consent, not just the evaluation. The clock also pauses for school vacation periods longer than five days, so it does not run exactly like the federal calendar day default. If consent comes within the last 30 days of the school year, the IEP is due within 30 days after the next school year starts.	Cal. Educ. Code Section 56344law.justia.com/codes/california/code-edc/t
Colorado	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Colorado follows the federal 60 calendar day default for completing the evaluation and holding the eligibility meeting. If the child is found eligible, the initial IEP must be developed within 90 calendar days of the original consent date.	1 CCR 301-8, ECEA Rule 4.02(3)(c)www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do
Connecticut	45 school days State-specific from referral to the planning and placement team, excluding time to obtain consent	Connecticut moved away from the federal 60 calendar day default starting with the 2020 to 2021 school year. It now requires the IEP to be implemented within 45 school days of referral, not just the evaluation completed. That window stretches to 60 school days when the placement is out of district or private.	Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Section 10-76d-13portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/Performance/Data
Delaware	45 school days or 90 calendar days, whichever is less State-specific from parental consent to evaluate	Delaware shortens the federal window to whichever comes first: 45 school days or 90 calendar days from consent.	14 Del. Admin. Code 925, Section 2.3regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title14
District of Columbia	120 calendar days State-specific from written referral for evaluation	DC measures from the referral rather than from consent and sets one combined 120 day window covering the request for consent, the evaluation and the eligibility determination together, longer than the federal 60 days because it bundles more steps into a single clock. A separate federal-style 60 calendar day clock also runs from the date parental consent is given, so a family can hold the district to whichever limit is reached first.	5-A DCMR Section 3005.4osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/o
Florida	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Florida follows the federal 60 calendar day default, with school holidays, breaks and summer vacation excluded from the count. The family and district can extend it by up to 30 more calendar days by written agreement.	Fla. Admin. Code R. 6A-6.0331(4)www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/florida/Fl
Georgia	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Georgia follows the federal 60 calendar day default. The due date skips periods of 5 or more consecutive days when school is not in session, including summer break.	Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 160-4-7-.04apps.gadoe.org/sboe/SBOE%20Rules/160-4-7-.
Hawaiiconfirm	60 days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Hawaii, a single statewide school district, follows the federal 60 day default. If the process runs longer for an exceptional reason, the state must tell the family in writing the expected completion date and why.	Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 8, Chapter 60boe.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Day count corroborated by an official source; the exact rule subsection was not independently confirmed. Confirm the current figure with Hawaii Department of Education.
Idaho	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Idaho follows the federal 60 calendar day default. The state previously allowed a pause during school breaks of 5 or more days but phased that out, so the 60 days now run continuously.	IDAPA 08.02.03.109www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/idaho/IDAP
Illinois	60 school days State-specific from parental consent to evaluate	Illinois measures its 60 day window in school days rather than calendar days, which stretches the real-world window well beyond the federal 60 calendar days. If fewer than 60 school days remain in the year after consent, the eligibility meeting must happen before the next school year starts.	23 Ill. Admin. Code Section 226.110(d)www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/illinois/I
Indiana	50 instructional days State-specific from receipt of written parental consent	Indiana shortens the federal default to 50 instructional days and measures in instructional days rather than calendar days, so the count only advances on days school is in session.	511 IAC 7-40-5(d)www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/indiana/51
Iowa	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Iowa follows the federal 60 calendar day default for completing the evaluation and holding the eligibility meeting.	Iowa Admin. Code 281-41.503educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/special-education/s
Kansas	60 school days State-specific from receipt of informed written parental consent	Kansas measures its 60 day window in school days rather than calendar days, which stretches the real-world window beyond the federal 60 calendar days. The clock runs through data gathering, the eligibility decision and on to when services begin.	K.A.R. 91-40-17www.ksde.gov/portals/0/ses/ph/ph-ch03.pdf
Kentucky	60 school days State-specific from receipt of parental consent for evaluation	Kentucky measures its 60 day window in school days rather than calendar days, which stretches the real-world window beyond the federal 60 calendar days. The Admissions and Release Committee meeting to develop the IEP must then happen within 30 more days of the eligibility decision.	707 KAR 1:320, Section 2(3)apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/707
Louisianaconfirm	60 business days State-specific from parental consent to evaluate	Louisiana measures its 60 day window in business days rather than calendar days, which stretches the real-world window beyond the federal 60 calendar days.	Louisiana Bulletin 1706, Chapter 3probonodeskmanual.loyno.edu/law-special-edDay count corroborated by an official source; the exact rule subsection was not independently confirmed. Confirm the current figure with Louisiana Department of Education.
Maine	45 school days State-specific from parental consent to evaluate	Maine shortens the federal default to 45 school days for children ages 5 to 22.	Maine Unified Special Education Regulation (05-071 CMR Chapter 101), Section Vwww.maine.gov/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/file
Maryland	60 days from consent, or 90 days from a written referral State-specific from parental consent to evaluate, with a second clock from written referral	Maryland runs the federal 60 day default from consent but adds a second, stricter 90 day clock measured from the original written referral, which catches delays in getting to consent that the federal rule alone would not reach.	COMAR 13A.05.01.06mdrules.elaws.us/comar/13a.05.01.06
Massachusetts	30 school days for the evaluation, 45 school days to the eligibility Team meeting State-specific from parental consent to evaluate	Massachusetts sets one of the shortest windows in the country: the evaluation itself is due within 30 school days of consent. The Team meeting that decides eligibility, placement and the IEP must happen within 45 school days of consent.	603 CMR 28.04; M.G.L. c. 71B, Section 3www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr28.html?se
Michigan	30 school days State-specific from parental consent to evaluate	Michigan shortens the federal default sharply to 30 school days, covering the evaluation and eligibility decision through the district's initial offer of services. A school day excludes snow days, teacher workdays and other non-instructional days.	Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) R 340.1721 and R 340.1721bwww.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/
Minnesota	30 school days State-specific from parental consent to evaluate	Minnesota shortens the federal default sharply to 30 school days for the evaluation and the eligibility determination.	Minn. Stat. Section 125A.09; Minn. R. 3525.2550www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/3525.2550/
Mississippi	60 days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Mississippi follows the federal 60 day default. A team must also meet within 14 school days of a request to decide whether to evaluate at all.	7 Miss. Code R. Section 34:300.301(b)mdek12.org/sites/default/files/documents/v
Missouriconfirm	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Missouri follows the federal 60 calendar day default, with allowance for excessive student absence or school breaks documented as a just cause extension.	Missouri State Plan for Special Education, Standards and Indicators Manual Section 200.180.cdese.mo.gov/special-education/compliance/eDay count corroborated by an official source; the exact rule subsection was not independently confirmed. Confirm the current figure with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Montanaconfirm	60 calendar days Federal default from date written parental consent is returned	Montana follows the federal 60 calendar day default.	Administrative Rules of Montana, Title 10, Chapter 16 (Special Education)opi.mt.gov/Portals/182/Page%20Files/SpeciaDay count corroborated by an official source; the exact rule subsection was not independently confirmed. Confirm the current figure with Montana Office of Public Instruction.
Nebraska	45 school days, capped by the federal 60 calendar days, whichever is stricter State-specific from receipt of parental consent	Nebraska's Rule 51 sets a 45 school day timeline, but the Nebraska Department of Education has clarified in guidance that this state timeline cannot be used to exceed the federal 60 calendar day limit, so a district must actually meet whichever deadline arrives first.	92 NAC 51-009.04www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/20
Nevada	45 school days State-specific from parental consent to evaluate	Nevada shortens the federal default to 45 school days. The state superintendent can extend that deadline by up to 15 more school days on request.	Nev. Admin. Code Section 388.337www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/nevada/NAC
New Hampshire	60 calendar days Federal default from receipt of parental consent to evaluate	New Hampshire follows the federal 60 calendar day default. Rule Ed 1107.01(c) requires the initial evaluation process to be completed within 60 days of receiving parental consent to evaluate. Some parent and advocacy guides circulate an older 45 day figure, but the current rule text sets 60 days.	N.H. Code Admin. R. Ed 1107.01(c)gc.nh.gov/rules/state_agencies/ed1100.html
New Jersey	90 calendar days State-specific from parental written consent	New Jersey sets a combined 90 calendar day window that covers the evaluation, the eligibility determination and, if the child qualifies, developing and starting the IEP, longer than the federal 60 days because it bundles more steps into one clock.	N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.4(e)www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey
New Mexico	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	New Mexico follows the federal 60 calendar day default, measured by the actual number of calendar days between consent and the evaluation being completed.	6.31.2.10(C)(1)(a) NMACwww.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-mexico
New York	60 school days State-specific from receipt of signed parental consent	New York measures its 60 day window in school days rather than calendar days, which stretches the real-world window beyond the federal 60 calendar days. The clock starts on the day the district receives signed consent, not on the day the family sends the initial referral letter.	8 NYCRR 200.4www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-york/8
North Carolina	90 calendar days State-specific from receipt of a written referral	North Carolina measures from the written referral rather than from consent and sets one combined 90 calendar day window covering the evaluation, the eligibility decision and, for an eligible child, developing the IEP and placement, longer than the federal 60 days because it starts earlier and bundles more steps into a single clock. The count does not stop for holidays, summer break or school closures.	NC Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities, Section 1503-2.3disabilityrightsnc.org/resources/iep-refer
North Dakotaconfirm	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	North Dakota follows the federal 60 calendar day default. Any delay past the 60 days must be documented in a Prior Written Notice with the reason and a completion date.	North Dakota Century Code Chapter 15.1-32www.nd.gov/dpi/sites/www/files/documents/SDay count corroborated by an official source; the exact rule subsection was not independently confirmed. Confirm the current figure with North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.
Ohio	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Ohio follows the federal 60 calendar day default. Before that clock starts, the district has a separate 30 day window to propose an evaluation and obtain consent.	Ohio Admin. Code 3301-51-06(B)(4)(a)codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/ru
Oklahomaconfirm	45 school days State-specific from parental written consent	Oklahoma shortens the federal default to 45 school days, running from consent through the initial eligibility determination.	Oklahoma State Department of Education Special Education Policies and Proceduresoklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/osde/documeDay count corroborated by an official source; the exact rule subsection was not independently confirmed. Confirm the current figure with Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Oregon	60 school days State-specific from written parental consent	Oregon measures its 60 day window in school days rather than calendar days, which stretches the real-world window beyond the federal 60 calendar days.	Or. Admin. R. 581-015-2110oregon.public.law/rules/oar_581-015-2110
Pennsylvania	60 calendar days (summer break excluded from the count) State-specific from receipt of written parental consent	Pennsylvania keeps the federal 60 calendar day number but excludes the entire summer break from the count, from the day after the spring term ends through the day before the fall term begins, which can extend the real-world window well past 60 days for a summer referral.	22 Pa. Code Section 14.123(b)www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?f
Rhode Island	60 calendar days Federal default from receipt of parental consent to evaluate	Rhode Island follows the federal 60 calendar day default. Before that, a team must meet within 10 school days of a referral to decide whether an evaluation is needed. The evaluation itself must then begin within 10 school days of consent.	200-RICR-20-30-6.7regulations.justia.com/states/rhode-island
South Carolinaconfirm	60 days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	South Carolina follows the federal 60 day default for the initial evaluation. A separate 30 calendar day window applies to developing or revising the IEP after an eligibility finding.	S.C. Code Regs. 43-243ed.sc.gov/index.cfm?LinkServID=60EE61CE-C6Day count corroborated by an official source; the exact rule subsection was not independently confirmed. Confirm the current figure with South Carolina Department of Education.
South Dakota	25 school days for the evaluation, plus 30 calendar days to determine eligibility State-specific from parental consent to evaluate	South Dakota Department of Education guidance describes a notably short combined window: the evaluation itself is due within 25 school days, then eligibility must be determined within 30 more calendar days.	S.D. Admin. R. 24:05:25:04doe.sd.gov/sped/documents/Tools-Resources-
Tennessee	60 calendar days Federal default from receipt of parental consent for the initial evaluation	Tennessee follows the federal 60 calendar day default. If the student is found eligible, the IEP team must finalize the IEP within 30 more calendar days.	Tenn. State Board of Education Rule 0520-01-09-.05(1)(f)www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/legal/
Texas	45 school days State-specific from receipt of parental written consent	Texas shortens the federal default to 45 school days. If a student is absent 3 or more school days during the evaluation window, the deadline extends by that many days.	19 Tex. Admin. Code Section 89.1011(d)spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/sites/default/fi
Utah	45 school days State-specific from parental consent to evaluate	Utah shortens the federal default to 45 school days, covering the evaluation and the eligibility determination.	Utah State Board of Education Special Education Rules, Rule II.Dwww.schools.utah.gov/specialeducation/_spe
Vermont	60 days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Vermont follows the federal 60 day default for completing the evaluation and issuing the report. A district has a separate 15 calendar days after a referral to respond with a consent request, a planning meeting or a written denial.	Vermont Special Education Rules Section 2362.2.1education.vermont.gov/sites/aoe/files/edu-
Virginia	65 business days State-specific from receipt of the referral	Virginia measures from the referral rather than from consent, sets 65 business days rather than 60 calendar days and covers the whole path to the eligibility decision in one window, so it deviates on the start point, the unit and the length all at once.	8 VAC 20-81-60law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title8/agen
Washingtonconfirm	35 school days State-specific from receipt of written parental consent	Washington shortens the federal default sharply to 35 school days. A district has a separate 25 school days after a request to decide whether to evaluate at all. This rule was touched by recent state legislation, so confirm the current figure before publishing.	WAC 392-172A-03005app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=392-1A 2026 OSPI guidance document referencing ESHB 2557 suggests this timeline may have been touched by recent legislation. Confirm the current figure with Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) before relying on it.
West Virginia	80 calendar days State-specific from parental consent to evaluate	West Virginia sets a longer combined window of 80 calendar days from consent, covering the evaluation through the eligibility decision, longer than the federal 60 days.	West Virginia Policy 2419static.k12.wv.us/teachiep/documents/Servic
Wisconsin	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Wisconsin follows the federal 60 calendar day default for determining eligibility after consent.	Wis. Stat. Section 115.782(2)docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes
Wyoming	60 calendar days Federal default from parental consent to evaluate	Wyoming follows the federal 60 calendar day default for the initial comprehensive evaluation.	Wyoming Chapter 7 Rules, Section 7-4edu.wyoming.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/02

The three dispute-resolution routes every state offers

If you and the school disagree, IDEA gives every state the same three routes. Two states run mediation and due process through a separately named body rather than the education department: Pennsylvania (the Office for Dispute Resolution) and Massachusetts (the Bureau of Special Education Appeals).

State complaint

A written complaint filed with the state education agency alleging that a school violated IDEA. The state agency investigates and issues a written decision, generally within 60 calendar days unless extended for exceptional circumstances.

Source: 34 CFR 300.151 through 300.153 · sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/b/300.151

Mediation

A voluntary, free process where a neutral mediator helps the family and the school try to resolve a disagreement without a hearing. Either side can decline it and it never delays or denies a parent's right to a due process hearing.

Source: 34 CFR 300.506 · sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/e/300.506

Due process hearing

A formal legal proceeding before an impartial hearing officer, opened by filing a due process complaint. It is the most formal of the three routes and typically follows a resolution period before a hearing decision is issued.

Source: 34 CFR 300.507 through 300.516 · sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/e/300.507

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Questions parents ask

How long does an initial IEP evaluation take?

Under IDEA, a school must complete a child's initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent, unless the state sets its own timeframe (34 CFR 300.301(c)(1)). About half the states keep that default and the rest set a shorter or a differently measured window, which is what the table above shows.

What are my options if I disagree with the school?

Every state offers the three IDEA dispute-resolution routes: a state complaint, mediation and a due process hearing. Each is explained above, with its federal citation. Mediation is voluntary and free. It never delays or denies a parent's right to a due process hearing.

Does my state measure the timeline the same way as the federal rule?

Not always. Some states count in school days rather than calendar days, some measure from the written referral rather than from consent and some fold the eligibility decision or the first IEP into the same window. The "what is different" column names how each state deviates, so you are comparing like with like rather than just numbers.

Sources

What the facts on this page come from

34 CFR 300.301 (Initial evaluations) sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/d/300.301
34 CFR 300.151-300.153 (State complaint procedures) sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/b/300.151
34 CFR 300.506 (Mediation) sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/e/300.506
34 CFR 300.507-300.516 (Due process complaints and hearings) sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/e/300.507

A few state rows rest on an official or near-official day count without the exact rule subsection independently confirmed. Those rows carry a confirm note at the cell. Confirm any time-sensitive figure with your state education agency before you rely on it.

This page is general educational information for parents, not legal or educational advice. It does not tell any family what to do. Every example here is a starting point to discuss and adapt with your child's IEP or 504 team, which decides what fits your child from the evaluation. Confirm anything time-sensitive with your school or district. For a genuinely contested situation, a special education advocate or an attorney who works in your state is the right person to ask.