IEP Meeting Timeline and Deadlines: the Dates Parents Should Keep for IEP and 504
The federal IEP timeline has a handful of real deadlines: 60 days to evaluate, 30 days to meet, a yearly review, a reevaluation every three years. Here they are in one table, with what to write down from each school letter.
The IEP meeting timeline has a few federal deadlines every parent should keep. Under IDEA, the initial evaluation must happen within 60 days of your consent unless your state sets its own timeframe. The first IEP meeting must be held within 30 days of the eligibility decision. The IEP is reviewed at least once a year, and your child is reevaluated at least every 3 years.
Most pages about IEP timelines are written for lawyers or school staff. This one is for the parent holding the letter. It covers the dates in the federal rules, where your state can change them, and what to write down each time the school sends you something.
This is general information, not legal advice. The rules below come from the federal regulations under IDEA (34 CFR Part 300) and Section 504 (34 CFR Part 104), read on October 5, 2026. Many states set shorter timelines, and your state's rules apply to you.
What are the IEP deadlines under federal law?
| Step | Federal deadline | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Initial evaluation | Within 60 days of the school receiving your consent, or your state's own timeframe | 34 CFR 300.301 |
| First IEP meeting | Within 30 days of deciding your child needs special education | 34 CFR 300.323 |
| Services start | As soon as possible after the IEP is written | 34 CFR 300.323 |
| IEP review | At least once a year | 34 CFR 300.324 |
| Reevaluation | At least once every 3 years, and not more than once a year, unless you and the school agree otherwise | 34 CFR 300.303 |
| Progress reports | When the IEP says, for example quarterly with report cards | 34 CFR 300.320 |
| Access to records | Without unnecessary delay, before an IEP meeting, and no more than 45 days after you ask | 34 CFR 300.613 |
| State complaint | About a violation within the past year | 34 CFR 300.153 |
| Due process complaint | About a violation within the past 2 years, unless your state sets its own limit | 34 CFR 300.507 |
When does the 60-day evaluation clock start?
When the school receives your written consent. The federal rule in 34 CFR 300.301 says the initial evaluation must be done within 60 days of receiving parental consent, or within the state's timeframe if the state sets one. Some states count school days rather than calendar days. Ask the school which count it uses, and write down the date you handed in the consent form. Keep a copy with the date on it.
How soon after eligibility is the IEP meeting?
Within 30 days. Under 34 CFR 300.323, once the team decides your child needs special education and related services, a meeting to write the IEP must be held within 30 days, and services must start as soon as possible after the IEP is developed.
How much notice do I get before an IEP meeting?
The federal rule does not give a number of days. It says the school must tell you early enough that you have a chance to attend, and must schedule the meeting at a time and place you both agree on. The notice must say the purpose, time and place, and who will be there. If a date does not work, ask for another one in writing. After the meeting, the school must give you a copy of the IEP at no cost.
What is my reply window after the school proposes a change?
Before the school proposes or refuses a change to your child's evaluation, placement or services, it must send you written notice a reasonable time ahead. Federal rules do not set a fixed number of days for your reply. Many states do. If the letter mentions a response date, that date is the one to keep, and it is often the most important date in the letter.
How often is an IEP reviewed and a child reevaluated?
The IEP team must review the IEP at least once a year to check whether the goals are being met, and revise it if needed. A reevaluation must happen at least once every 3 years, unless you and the school agree it is not needed, and not more than once a year unless you and the school agree. You can also ask for a reevaluation if you think your child's needs have changed.
Write the annual review date and the 3-year reevaluation date at the top of your IEP folder. Six weeks before each one, start gathering what you want to bring: work samples, notes from home, reports from outside providers.
What are the timelines for a 504 plan?
Section 504 has fewer fixed dates. The federal rule in 34 CFR 104.35 requires an evaluation before placement and procedures for periodic reevaluation, but it does not set a day count like IDEA's 60 days. Districts set their own 504 timelines, often in a written procedure. Ask the school's 504 coordinator for it, and keep the review date from your child's plan.
What should I write down from every school letter?
Every IEP or 504 letter is worth two minutes. Write down:
- the date on the letter and the date you received it;
- any date it asks you to reply, sign or attend by;
- the meeting date, time and place, and who is invited;
- what the school is proposing or refusing;
- the next deadline it starts, from the table above.
If you want to look at your child's records before a meeting, ask in writing. The school must respond without unnecessary delay and before the meeting, and in no case more than 45 days after your request. Keep all of it together, with copies of what you signed. Our family documents checklist has a section on school records.
Keeping the dates without keeping a spreadsheet
The table and the checklist are the thinking part. Remembering the dates for years is the memory part, and dEssence can take that. Forward Tracy the school letter or a photo of it and ask in your own words: "remind me a week before the reply date and six weeks before the annual review". She keeps the dates and texts you first. On Pro, a document you send is turned into dates, tasks and reminders.
She does not connect to your school's systems or read your email. You send her the letters, and she comes back in time. She also does not give legal advice; for that, your state's parent training and information center is a good first call.
Frequently asked questions
Can the school take longer than 60 days to evaluate?
The federal limit is 60 days from consent, unless your state sets its own timeframe. There are narrow exceptions, for example if a child changes districts during the evaluation. Check your state's rule.
How long does the school have to hold the first IEP meeting?
Within 30 days of deciding your child needs special education and related services.
Does an IEP expire after a year?
The IEP must be reviewed at least once a year. Ask the school what happens if a review date slips.
Can I ask for an IEP meeting before the annual review?
Yes. You can ask for a meeting when you have concerns. Put the request in writing and keep a copy.