IDEA applies everywhere. The clocks don’t match.
Federal law sets a floor; states may set their own deadlines, and several count in school days rather than calendar days. Here is the baseline, and the states whose rules are verified so far.
17 states verified
Federal floor shown
School vs calendar days
Not legal advice
The tool
Find your state’s clock.
The federal floor is 60 calendar days. Some states set their own, and several count in school or business days instead — which can run far longer in practice. Filter by how the days are counted, or type a state name.
No state matches that. Try a shorter search.
School days are not calendar days
A 45-school-day timeline can run longer than the federal 60 calendar days once holidays and breaks are counted. Where a state counts school or business days, the card says so — check what your district treats as a school day.
Common questions
How long does a school have to complete an initial special education evaluation?
Under IDEA the federal baseline is 60 calendar days from the date a parent gives written consent, unless the state has set its own timeframe. Once a child is found eligible, the IEP must be in place within 30 calendar days of that determination. Several states count in school days instead of calendar days.
Which states count evaluation timelines in school days?
Texas counts 45 school days, New York and Illinois count 60 school days, Michigan counts 30 school days, Washington counts 35 school days, and Massachusetts counts 45 school working days. Because school days exclude weekends, holidays and breaks, a school-day deadline can take considerably longer in real time than a calendar-day one.
How long does a school have to give me my child's records?
Federally, a school must comply with a records request without unnecessary delay and in no case more than 45 days, and always before any IEP meeting or due process hearing. Some states are far shorter: California gives parents records within five business days of the request.
What if my state isn't listed here?
Where a state has not set its own timeframe, the federal floor applies: 60 calendar days from written consent for the initial evaluation, and 30 calendar days from an eligibility finding to have the IEP in place. Confirm the current rule with your state department of education, since these are periodically revised.