California IEP Parent Rights & Resources
The federal IDEA law protects your child's right to a free, appropriate public education in California — and California has organizations whose entire job is to help parents like you use those rights.
In California, the school has 60 calendar days from receipt of signed assessment plan (school vacations over 5 days excluded) to finish an initial evaluation.
Upload your child's IEP and we'll read it against the rules that apply — free.
Who can help you in California (free)
Parent Training & Information Center
Matrix Parents at Marin CIL
Federally funded to train and support California parents of children with disabilities — one-on-one help with IEPs, evaluations, and meetings, at no cost.
matrixparents.org · 800-578-2592
Protection & Advocacy
Disability Rights California
California's federally mandated legal advocacy organization for people with disabilities — the place to call when your child's rights may have been violated.
disabilityrightsca.org · 800-776-5746
State Education Agency
California Department of Education
Oversees special education in California public schools, publishes state rules and forms, and receives formal state complaints.
Your rights under IDEA in California
- Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) — California public schools must provide special education and services designed for your child, at no cost to you.
- Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) — your child has the right to learn alongside non-disabled classmates as much as appropriate.
- Evaluations — you can request an evaluation at any time, in writing, and the school must respond. You can also request a reevaluation if things change, or ask for an independent educational evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with the school's.
- Procedural safeguards — the school must give you a written notice of your rights, and prior written notice before it changes (or refuses to change) your child's identification, evaluation, or placement.
- Parent participation — you are an equal member of the IEP team. Meetings must be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time, and you can bring anyone you choose.
These protections come from federal law and apply in every state. Read the full plain-English guide to your rights →
Key IEP timelines
- Initial evaluation: in California, the school has 60 calendar days from receipt of signed assessment plan (school vacations over 5 days excluded) to finish an initial evaluation. (Cal. Educ. Code § 56344(a))
- The school must give the parent a proposed assessment plan within 15 days of a referral (Cal. Educ. Code § 56321(a)).
- After eligibility: the IEP meeting must happen within 30 calendar days of the decision that your child is eligible.
- Every year: the IEP must be reviewed at least annually — and you can request a meeting sooner at any time.
- Every 3 years: your child must be reevaluated (unless you and the school agree it isn't needed).
Source: cde.ca.gov/sp/se/lr/
Have a meeting coming up in California? Turn these timelines into questions you can ask →
If you disagree with the school in California
- Talk first, in writing. Many disputes resolve at the IEP table — put your concerns and requests in writing so they become part of the record.
- Mediation. Free and voluntary — a neutral mediator helps you and the school reach a written agreement.
- State complaint. A written complaint to the California Department of Education about an IDEA violation within the past year — the state must investigate and decide, generally within 60 days.
- Due process. A formal legal proceeding before a hearing officer. Before filing, Disability Rights California can advise you on your options at no cost.
Common questions in California
How long does California have to evaluate my child for special education?
The school has 60 calendar days from receipt of signed assessment plan (school vacations over 5 days excluded) to finish an initial in California. (Cal. Educ. Code § 56344(a))
How long do I have to file a state complaint in California?
You have one year from the date of the problem to file a written with the California Department of Education (34 CFR § 300.153(c)), which then generally has 60 days to investigate and decide. (34 CFR § 300.152(a))
How long do I have to request a due process hearing in California?
You generally have two years from the date you knew — or reasonably should have known — about the problem to request a hearing. (34 CFR § 300.507(a)(2))
Where can I read California's own special education rules?
The California Department of Education publishes California's rules, forms, and guidance — that is the place to check the exact wording. (cde.ca.gov/sp/se/lr)
Upload your child's IEP and we'll read it against the rules that apply — free.
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Timelines above cite California's own rules where we have verified them; other steps follow federal IDEA defaults — confirm specifics with the organizations above. Consult a qualified attorney or advocate for advice about your specific situation.