How many days does a team have to develop an initial IEP after an evaluation determines eligibility?

How many days does a team have to develop an initial IEP after an evaluation determines eligibility?

• A. Within 15 days
• B. Within 30 days
• C. Within 45 days
• D. Within 60 days

Answer: (B)

After a child is determined eligible for special education, the IEP team must develop the initial IEP within 30 days. This 30-day window helps ensure services begin promptly and the student’s plan is in place for the start of the next instructional period. The other timeframes aren’t the standard requirement, so 30 days is the correct rule. In occasional situations, delays can occur (for example, if a parent withholds consent for services), but the default expectation is to complete the initial IEP within 30 days.

After a child is determined eligible for special education, the IEP team must develop the initial IEP within 30 days. This 30-day window helps ensure services begin promptly and the student’s plan is in place for the start of the next instructional period. The other timeframes aren’t the standard requirement, so 30 days is the correct rule. In occasional situations, delays can occur (for example, if a parent withholds consent for services), but the default expectation is to complete the initial IEP within 30 days.