How long does a school have to evaluate my child?

Quick answer

After you give written consent for an initial evaluation, IDEA requires the school to complete it within 60 calendar days, unless your state sets a different timeline. That deadline applies to the full evaluation process, not just scheduling the first appointment. If the school misses the deadline, ask for a written explanation and whether an eligibility meeting can still be held on time.

What this means for parents

Timelines protect your child from sitting without services while paperwork drags on. Know what starts the clock and what does not.

• Consent to evaluate starts the timeline. Time before consent, such as RTI or staffing meetings, does not count toward the 60-day rule.
• Some states use 60 school days instead of calendar days. Check your state rules because they control if they are stricter or more specific.
• The evaluation must be complete enough for the team to decide eligibility and, if eligible, write an IEP.
• Delays caused by parent cancellation can pause or extend timelines in some states, but the school should document that clearly.
• If evaluation is late, you can still ask for interim supports or a meeting to review what is complete so far.

Questions to ask about evaluation timing

Track dates in writing so you know whether the district is on schedule.

1. What date did you receive my signed consent, and what is the deadline to complete the evaluation?
2. Which assessments are scheduled, and which are still outstanding?
3. If we are approaching the deadline, will the eligibility meeting be held on time or rescheduled?
4. What happens if a provider is unavailable? How will the district avoid missing the deadline?
5. Will I receive evaluation reports before the eligibility meeting so I can review them?

Simple parent script

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the timeline starts when you first mention concerns verbally.
• Not asking for reports before the eligibility meeting, then agreeing to decide without time to review.
• Letting repeated rescheduling continue without requesting a written status update.
• Confusing the evaluation deadline with the deadline to implement an initial IEP after eligibility.
• Accepting vague promises that testing is in progress without specific dates.

When to get more help

Consider getting help when the school misses the evaluation deadline without explanation, keeps delaying eligibility decisions, or your child needs services now while evaluation is overdue.