1. Referral / Request for evaluation

• A parent (see resources section below for definition of a parent § 300.30) or the school (Local Education Agency, LEA) can refer/request that the child be evaluated for special education if there is concern that the child may have a disability and need special supports. 

• If the parent requests an evaluation orally, the school district must provide a written form within 10 calendar days asking for parent consent. 
   

2. Permission to Evaluate / Evaluation

• With parent consent, the school conducts a full evaluation in all areas of suspected disability. 

• In Pennsylvania, once consent is given, the evaluation report must be completed within 60 calendar days of consent. 

• The evaluation report must be given to the parents at least 10 school days before the IEP team meeting (unless waived in writing). 
   

3. Eligibility Decision

• The evaluation team (including parents) determines whether the child is eligible under IDEA (disability + need for special education). 

• If not eligible, the school notifies the parent with Prior Written Notice and may offer other supports (e.g., Section 504). 
   

4. IEP Meeting & Development of IEP

• If eligible, the IEP Team (parents + required school staff + sometimes student) meets within 30 calendar days of the eligibility determination to develop the IEP. 

• The IEP will include (among other things): present levels of academic/functional performance, measurable annual goals, accommodations/modifications, special education & related services, placement information, transition planning (for older students) etc. 

• Parents are a part of the IEP Team and must be invited. The school must make efforts to make participation possible (including alternate methods). 
   

5. Implementation

• Once the IEP is finalized and parent consents (via the Notice of Recommended Educational Placement / Prior Written Notice, NOREP/PWN), the school must begin providing the services “as soon as possible” but in PA the law says within 10 school days of IEP meeting. 

• The IEP must be in effect at the beginning of each school year for students already receiving special education. 
   

6. Monitoring, Review & Annual IEP Meeting

• The IEP team must review the IEP at least annually to determine whether the annual goals are being achieved and whether changes are needed. 

• Parents or school may request additional meetings more often if needed.
   

7. Re-evaluation

• At least every three years (or every 2 years for students with intellectual disability) the child must be re-evaluated (unless parent agrees to waive). 

• The re-evaluation determines whether the child continues to be eligible and what services are needed. disabilityrightspa.org
   

8. Transition Planning

• In PA, students age 14 (or younger if appropriate) the IEP must include post­secondary transition goals and a transition plan. At no later than the age of 14, students should be part of the IEP team. In fact, the student should lead their own IEP's*.