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School & Special Education

School & Special Education

Official guidance on IDEA, IEPs, school evaluations, accommodations and civil-rights protections for students with disabilities, plus the Parent Center that serves your state.

Based on U.S. Department of Education · CPIR · U.S. Department of Education OCR · All sources · Checked November 3, 2026

Ages 3–22IDEA Part B special education and related servicesCenter for Parent Information and Resources
60 daysfederal target from parental consent to a completed evaluation, unless the state sets its ownCenter for Parent Information and Resources
Yearlythe IEP is reviewed at least once a year; re-evaluation at least every three yearsCenter for Parent Information and Resources

Two laws, two kinds of plans

IDEA provides special education and related services through an IEP for eligible children ages 3 to 22; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act protects students with disabilities from discrimination and is enforced by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The listings below are the official sources for both. Listings link to external organizations; they do not imply affiliation, endorsement or guaranteed services, and eligibility, availability and costs change — confirm directly with each organization.

IDEA and the IEP

Federal agencyU.S. Department of Education — IDEA: Parents and FamiliesThe Department’s parents-and-families page: Parent Training and Information Centers in every state, the IEP as the primary vehicle for a free appropriate public education, procedural safeguards, and formal dispute-resolution options (state complaints, mediation, due process).Visit official resource NonprofitCPIR — IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education ActA plain-language overview of IDEA — first enacted in 1975 — with Part C early intervention from birth through age 3 and Part B special education for ages 3 to 22, plus training modules in English and Spanish.Visit official resource NonprofitCPIR — 10 Basic Steps in Special EducationSpecial education in 10 steps, from Child Find or referral through evaluation, eligibility, IEP development, services, progress reports and re-evaluation, with the key federal timelines.Visit official resource NonprofitCPIR — The Short-and-Sweet IEP OverviewA short overview of what an IEP is, who develops it, and that the IEP meeting is held within 30 calendar days of determining eligibility and reviewed at least once a year.Visit official resource NonprofitCPIR — Contents of the IEPThe components IDEA requires in an IEP — present levels, measurable annual goals, services and supports, assessment accommodations and transition planning by the IEP in effect when the child turns 16.Visit official resource NonprofitCPIR — Supports, Modifications, and Accommodations for StudentsExplains the difference between accommodations and modifications, and the supports available to students: specially designed instruction, related services, supplementary aids, staff supports and testing accommodations.Visit official resource

Section 504 and civil rights

Federal agencyU.S. Department of Education OCR — Disability DiscriminationThe Office for Civil Rights enforces Section 504 and Title II of the ADA in schools; the page links FAQs, key issues, case resolutions and how to file a civil-rights complaint.Visit official resource Federal agencyU.S. Department of Education OCR — Section 504 FAPE FAQsOCR’s frequently asked questions on Section 504 and the right to a free appropriate public education, including identification of protected students and how to obtain an appropriate education.Visit official resource NonprofitCPIR — Section 504 and school discipline guidanceSummarizes the July 2022 federal guidance on supporting students with disabilities and avoiding discriminatory school discipline under Section 504, with links to the guidance, fact sheet and video summary.Visit official resource

Help in your state

NonprofitCPIR — Find Your Parent CenterChoose your state to find the Parent Training and Information Center or Community Parent Resource Center that serves families of children with disabilities from birth to age 26 — nearly 100 centers funded by the Department of Education.Visit official resource

Questions to ask

  • Who do I contact to request a school evaluation, and will I receive prior written notice?
  • What is the evaluation timeline in our state?
  • Which accommodations or services will be written into the IEP or 504 plan, and who provides them?
  • How will progress be reported, and how often is the plan reviewed?
  • Where is our state Parent Center, and does it offer free training?

This website provides general educational information. It does not diagnose autism or replace individualized medical, developmental, psychological, or educational advice. Screening is not diagnosis.

External listings do not imply affiliation, endorsement, or guaranteed services. Eligibility, availability, costs, and insurance coverage may change. Research summaries reflect evidence available at the time of review.