California IEP evaluation deadlines

California's clock

The district must respond to a written request within 15 countable calendar days (Ed Code §56321(a)).

After you sign consent, the evaluation must be finished within 60 calendar days (vacation-excluded) (Ed Code §§56043(c), 56321).

Recording a meeting: all-party (meeting rule: may record with 24-hour notice) (Ed Code §56341.1(g)(1)).

If the school misses: state complaint — allege a violation from the last 1 year (34 CFR §300.153(c)); due process — 2 years from when you knew or should have known (34 CFR §300.507(a)(2)).

Verified California details

• Referral → assessment plan within 15 countable days (days between school sessions and vacation days beyond 5 schooldays in a break do not count).
• Consent → assessment finished and IEP meeting held within 60 countable days.
• Eligibility → initial IEP meeting within 30 days.
• You may audio-record the IEP meeting — give the team at least 24 hours' notice (Ed Code §56341.1(g)(1)).
• State complaint: violation within 1 year; CDE decides within 60 calendar days. Due process: 2 years (Ed Code §56043(p), (r), (x)).

Run the deadline calculator

Rules checked October 2026 — every rule on this page is cited to its source. Verify day counts against your district's official calendar.