California IEP Timelines
California has specific timelines that differ from federal requirements in some areas:
Key California Deadlines
Note: California timelines are "calendar days" not "school days" - this includes weekends and holidays, except during designated breaks.
What Makes California Different
SELPAs (Special Education Local Plan Areas)
California organizes special education through SELPAs - regional consortiums of school districts that share resources and services. Your SELPA determines many local policies and available services beyond what individual districts offer.
California Education Code
California has additional protections beyond federal IDEA, codified in the California Education Code. This includes specific requirements for assessments, IEP content, and parent rights.
Expanded Eligibility Categories
California uses "Specific Learning Disability" (SLD) criteria that allow for either the discrepancy model or Response-to-Intervention (RTI). Some districts prefer one over the other.
Nonpublic Schools (NPS)
California has an extensive network of certified nonpublic schools for students whose needs can't be met in public school. These placements are at district expense when appropriate.
Step-by-Step: Getting an IEP in California
Submit a Written Request
Send your request to the school principal AND copy your district's special education department. Use certified mail or email with read receipt.
California-specific: Reference California Education Code Section 56321 in your request letter.
Receive Assessment Plan (15 days)
California requires the district to provide you with an Assessment Plan within 15 calendar days. Review it carefully - you can request additions.
Tip: Don't sign the Assessment Plan until you're satisfied it covers all areas of suspected disability.
Assessments Conducted (60 days)
After you sign consent, the district has 60 calendar days (excluding school vacations over 5 days) to complete all assessments.
Your right: You can observe any assessment and must receive copies of all assessment reports before the IEP meeting.
IEP Team Meeting
The IEP meeting must be held within 60 days of consent. In California, you must receive assessment reports at least 4 days before the meeting.
California requirement: You can audio record IEP meetings - just notify the district 24 hours in advance (Ed Code 56341.1).
California-Specific Parent Rights
With 24-hour notice, you can audio record any IEP meeting.
Must receive all reports at least 4 days before the IEP meeting.
If you disagree with the district's assessment, you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation at district expense.
During disputes, your child stays in current placement until resolved (pendency rights).
Free mediation through the California Department of Education and formal due process hearings through OAH.
California Resources
California Department of Education
Special Education Division - state-level oversight and resources.
cde.ca.gov/sp/se
Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)
Files due process complaints and conducts hearings.
oah.ca.gov
Disability Rights California
Free legal services and advocacy for students with disabilities.
disabilityrightsca.org
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
Every SELPA has a CAC - find yours for local parent support.
Contact your local SELPA
Major California School Districts
These large districts have their own special education departments and policies: