Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Long, Ph.D. — Director of Special Education, 32 years in public education.
No. IDEA doesn't set a number of days for this step. Some states have set their own deadline, and the deadlines vary widely. For example, Pennsylvania allows 10 calendar days, Arizona 15 school days, and Ohio 30 calendar days. Check your own state's rule.
Even without a federal deadline, the school can't simply sit on your request. It should respond within a reasonable time. If it decides not to evaluate, it must tell you in writing why (this is called prior written notice). Make your request in writing and keep a dated copy, so it's clear when the clock started.
Enter your state and the date you gave written consent. The free calculator shows the date the evaluation is due.
Find your state's deadline →“The public agency proposing to conduct an initial evaluation to determine if a child qualifies as a child with a disability under § 300.8 must, after providing notice consistent with §§ 300.503 and 300.504, obtain informed consent, consistent with § 300.9, from the parent of the child before conducting the evaluation.”
This section is educational support, not legal advice. Special education rules can depend on your state and your child's facts. Talk with your IEP or 504 team, and with counsel when you need legal advice.
Dr. Long's Assistant answers your specific questions in plain language — built from Dr. Long's expertise, plus state and federal law read at the source — never the open internet.
Get started →This is educational information, not legal advice. IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, and state rules may differ by situation.
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