IEP Timeline Calculator
Pick what happened and when — get the federal deadline for what's due next. Free, no account needed.
These dates reflect the general federal timelines under IDEA (initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of consent, IEP developed within 30 days of eligibility, annual review within 12 months, triennial reevaluation within 3 years). Many states set their own — often shorter, and often counted in school days rather than calendar days — timelines that override the federal default. Always confirm the exact requirement with your district or state education agency.
How IEP timelines work
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) sets federal minimum timelines for the special education process — but every state (and sometimes every district) can set its own, often stricter, requirements. That's why the same question — "when is this actually due?" — can have a different answer depending on where you teach. This calculator gives you the federal baseline so you have a starting point; always double-check against your state's specific timeline requirements and your district's procedures.
Initial evaluation: 60 calendar days
Once a parent consents in writing to an initial special education evaluation, the evaluation must generally be completed within 60 calendar days under federal law. Several states count in school days instead, or set a shorter window — for example, some require completion within 45–60 school days rather than calendar days, which can shift the actual deadline by weeks.
IEP development: 30 calendar days after eligibility
Once the team determines a student eligible for special education services, an IEP must be developed within 30 calendar days of that eligibility determination — before services can begin.
Annual review: every 12 months
Every IEP must be reviewed — and revised as needed — at least once every 12 months from the date of the previous IEP, to check progress toward goals and update services.
Triennial reevaluation: every 3 years
Students must be reevaluated at least once every three years, unless the parent and the school agree a reevaluation isn't necessary — to confirm continued eligibility and whether the student's needs have changed.
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