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IEP Timeline Guide

Every IDEA deadline mapped — from the first evaluation request to the triennial review. Never miss a deadline again. Built for parents navigating the IEP process.

7 million children receive special education under IDEA
60 School days: initial evaluation deadline
30 Days: IEP meeting after eligibility
3 Years: triennial reevaluation cycle

What's inside the IEP Timeline Guide

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Stage 1: Identification & Referral

  • Child Find obligations — when schools must identify children birth to 3
  • 60-school-day evaluation timeline and Florida's 10-day extension
  • What to do if the school misses the timeline
  • How to request an evaluation in writing (template included)
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Stage 2: Evaluation

  • What the school must evaluate (not just academics)
  • Your right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
  • How to use evaluation results in IEP meetings
  • Timeline for receiving evaluation results in writing
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Stage 3: IEP Meeting & Development

  • 30-day timeline from eligibility to IEP meeting
  • Who must attend and who can excuse themselves
  • What every IEP must contain (required elements)
  • Annual goals: SMART goal writing explained
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Stage 4–7: Annual Review, Triennial & MDR

  • Annual review triggers and goal progress reporting
  • Triennial reevaluation timeline (every 3 years)
  • Manifestation Determination Review — when and why
  • Transition planning at age 16: goals, services, and VR referrals
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Stage 8: Dispute Resolution

  • IEP meeting escalation (fastest, free)
  • Florida state complaint process — 60-day investigation
  • Mediation vs. due process hearing: when to use which
  • Federal court appeal rights and timelines

What parents say

★★★★★

"The timeline guide was exactly what I needed. I had no idea the school had 60 days to evaluate — they were dragging their feet and I didn't know I could push back. Downloaded it the same night and sent a written request the next morning." — Jacksonville parent, 2nd grade

★★★★★

"I was terrified of the IEP process. The timeline guide broke it down into steps I could actually follow. I now know exactly when to expect meetings, what to ask for, and what to do when things go wrong." — Tampa parent, 4th grade autism

★★★★★

"Used the MDR section before a school meeting. My child was suspended and I was worried they would try to claim the behavior wasn't related to his disability. The guide walked me through what I could ask for and what had to happen within 10 days." — Miami parent, 3rd grade ADHD

Who is this for?

  • Parent of a child ages 3–21 being referred for special education
  • Parent attending your first IEP meeting and want to be prepared
  • Parent whose child already has an IEP and wants to track deadlines
  • Parent who has missed a school deadline and wants to know your rights
  • Parent dealing with a school dispute and need to understand the process
  • Parent of a child with complex needs — Florida schools have 60 days

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Age 18 SSI Redetermination Guide 33% lose benefits at 18. Prepare 12 months out.
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100% Free

Get the IEP Timeline Guide

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Inside the guide

  • 8-stage IEP timeline breakdown
  • 60-day evaluation countdown tracker
  • Annual IEP review reminder schedule
  • Triennial reevaluation tracker
  • MDR (Manifestation Determination) checklist
  • Florida-specific contacts: FDLRS, DOE, DRF

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