Georgia IEP Parent Rights & Resources
The federal IDEA law protects your child's right to a free, appropriate public education in Georgia — and Georgia has organizations whose entire job is to help parents like you use those rights.
In Georgia, the school has 60 calendar days from receipt of parental consent 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 Georgia (free)
Parent Training & Information Center
Parent to Parent of Georgia
Federally funded to train and support Georgia parents of children with disabilities — one-on-one help with IEPs, evaluations, and meetings, at no cost.
p2pga.org · 800-229-2038
Protection & Advocacy
Georgia Advocacy Office
Georgia's federally mandated legal advocacy organization for people with disabilities — the place to call when your child's rights may have been violated.
thegao.org · 800-537-2329
State Education Agency
Georgia Department of Education
Oversees special education in Georgia public schools, publishes state rules and forms, and receives formal state complaints.
Your rights under IDEA in Georgia
- Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) — Georgia 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 Georgia, the school has 60 calendar days from receipt of parental consent to finish an initial evaluation. (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 160-4-7-.04)
- 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: gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Special-Education-Services
Have a meeting coming up in Georgia? Turn these timelines into questions you can ask →
If you disagree with the school in Georgia
- 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 Georgia 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, Georgia Advocacy Office can advise you on your options at no cost.
Common questions in Georgia
How long does Georgia have to evaluate my child for special education?
The school has 60 calendar days from receipt of parental consent to finish an initial in Georgia. (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 160-4-7-.04)
How long do I have to file a state complaint in Georgia?
You have one year from the date of the problem to file a written with the Georgia 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 Georgia?
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 Georgia's own special education rules?
The Georgia Department of Education publishes Georgia's rules, forms, and guidance — that is the place to check the exact wording. (gadoe.org/-Instruction-and-Assessment/Special-Education-Services)
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 Georgia'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.