We have updated our resources related to special education! Do you have questions related to special education, IEPs, 504s, or want to learn more about whether your child qualifies for more supports at school? Check out our updated best practices, answers to common questions, and email templates that you can use to contact your child's school.

When followed properly, the special education eligibility process has four steps:

(1) identification

(2) referral meeting

(3) evaluation (if determined necessary)

(4) eligibility determination meeting.

All of the steps above must be completed within 90 calendar days from the date that the parent sends the school a written evaluation request or the school refers the student to an IEP Team. The 90-calendar day timeline is firm, and does not stop for holidays, summer break, or school closures.   

As the school year is coming to an end, if anyone tells you to wait or that "nothing happens over the summer," that's not what the law says. If you believe your child needs to be evaluated for special education services, contact your school in writing immediately! You can use this email template as a guide.