Find my starting point
California guide · Ages 3 to 21

How to Request a School Evaluation in California: The 15- and 60-Day Timelines

Any parent in California can ask their public school district to assess their child for special education. Put it in writing, and the district has 15 days to send a plan and 60 days after you sign to finish and meet.

Written by the ChildEvaluation editorial team. Sources checked October 16, 2026. Editorial policy · Clinical standards

Put the request in writing

California law treats any written request from a parent, teacher, or other service provider as a referral for assessment. Send it to the school principal or the district's special education office, and keep a dated copy. Email counts.

If you ask out loud, school staff must offer to help you put the request in writing. A written request is still the safest way to start the clock.

Write your request letter

Our free letter tool fills in your district and the California timelines. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

Open the letter tool

The timelines

  1. 1

    15 days: the district sends an assessment plan

    Days between school sessions and school vacations longer than five school days don't count. If you send the request within 10 days of the end of the school year, the plan is due within 10 days after the next school year starts.

  2. 2

    At least 15 days: you review the plan

    The plan should name the areas to be assessed, such as academics, cognition, language, motor skills, and social-emotional functioning. Ask to add areas you're worried about before you sign.

  3. 3

    60 days: assessment and IEP meeting

    The clock starts when the district receives your signed consent. If consent arrives 30 days or less before the end of the school year, the IEP meeting is due within 30 days after the next school year starts.

The district can refuse, but it has to tell you why

If the district decides not to assess, it must send you written notice explaining why. That notice comes with your procedural safeguards, which explain how to disagree.

What to include

  • Your child's full name, date of birth, school, and grade.
  • That you are requesting a special education assessment in all areas of suspected disability.
  • What you're seeing at home and at school, in plain words, with examples.
  • Any outside reports or diagnoses you're willing to share.
  • How to reach you, and your preferred language for meetings and documents.

Private school and preschool children

Districts must find and evaluate children with disabilities who attend private schools within their boundaries, and children ages 3 to 5 who aren't in school at all. For a private school student, contact the district where the private school is located.

Sources

  1. California Education Code 56029: Referral for assessment
  2. 5 CCR 3021: Referrals for special education
  3. California Education Code 56043: Special education timelines
  4. California Education Code 56321: Assessment plan
  5. California Education Code 56344: IEP within 60 days
  6. California Office of Administrative Hearings: Notice of Procedural Safeguards
  7. California Department of Education: Parent and child rights in special education
General information, not legal or medical advice

Laws and program details change. Check with the agency named on this page, and talk to a qualified professional about your child. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@childevaluation.com.

Related California guides

  • Independent educational evaluationsIf you disagree with your district's assessment, you can ask for an independent educational evaluation at public expense. Here's how the request works and what the district must do.
  • Diagnosis vs. eligibilityIn California, a clinical diagnosis, special education eligibility, and regional center eligibility are three separate decisions made by different people using different rules.
  • SFUSD preschool assessmentSan Francisco Unified assesses children ages 3 to 5 for special education at no cost, including children who aren't enrolled in an SFUSD preschool. Here's who to contact and what timelines apply.