The California deadline in plain words: 60 calendar days (some school breaks do not count) from the school receiving your written consent for assessment (the IEP meeting must also happen by then).
How the days are counted
Calendar days, but days between school sessions and school vacations of more than 5 school days do not count; the clock restarts when school reconvenes (Ed. Code 56344(a)). The app skips an estimated winter break and summer. Estimate: school calendars vary, check your district calendar.
This one is an estimate. School-day and school-break counting depends on your district's calendar. Check your district calendar for the exact date.
Where this comes from
Cal. Ed. Code 56043(c), 56344(a). Read the official rule.
After eligibility: 30 calendar days from eligibility determination (Cal. Ed. Code 56344(a)).
Federal context
Federal law (IDEA) sets a baseline of 60 calendar days from parental consent for evaluation (34 CFR 300.301(c)), or a timeline set by the state. California sets its own timeline, shown above. Once a child is found eligible, federal rules give 30 days to hold the first IEP meeting (34 CFR 300.323(c)). See all federal IEP deadlines, or how to request an IEP evaluation in writing.
Questions parents ask
How long does a school in California have to finish an IEP evaluation?
60 calendar days (some school breaks do not count) from the school receiving your written consent for assessment (the IEP meeting must also happen by then). Source: Cal. Ed. Code 56043(c), 56344(a).
When does the California evaluation clock start?
In California, the clock starts from the school receiving your written consent for assessment (the IEP meeting must also happen by then). That means signed consent, not your first request, so sign and return the consent form promptly and keep a copy.
How are the days counted?
Calendar days, but days between school sessions and school vacations of more than 5 school days do not count; the clock restarts when school reconvenes (Ed. Code 56344(a)). The app skips an estimated winter break and summer. Estimate: school calendars vary, check your district calendar.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is general information. Check your state rules, your district, or your state's Parent Training and Information Center for your situation.
Let the app count the days
Pick California in Tiny Advocate and the Deadlines screen counts by these rules and can link the dates to your calendar. Try it free in the demo (no signup), or start at tinyadvocate.com.
See every state's evaluation timeline.
Not legal advice. This page shares general information from your state's rules as we read them. It is not legal advice. Rules change and districts vary. For help with your situation, contact your state's Parent Training and Information Center or a special education attorney or advocate.