IEP Timelines in Iowa
What are the IEP timelines in Iowa?
Iowa's special education timelines are governed by 281 IAC Chapter 41 and implement federal IDEA requirements. The most important timelines are: (1) Evaluation: 60 calendar days from written parental consent to complete the evaluation and determine eligibility (281 IAC 41.301); (2) Initial IEP: within 30 calendar days of eligibility determination (281 IAC 41.323); (3) Annual IEP review: at least once every 12 months (281 IAC 41.324); (4) Reevaluation: at least every three years (281 IAC 41.303); (5) Transition planning: beginning no later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 14 (Iowa Code § 256B.4); (6) Manifestation determination: within 10 school days of a disciplinary change-of-placement decision (281 IAC 41.530); (7) State complaint resolution: 60 calendar days from filing (34 CFR 300.152); (8) Due process resolution period: 30 days, followed by 45-day hearing timeline (281 IAC 41.510; 41.515); (9) Restraint/seclusion parent notification: within 1 hour or end of school day; written report within 3 school days; IEP/BIP review within 10 school days (281 IAC 103.8–103.10); (10) Rights transfer: at age 18 (281 IAC 41.505). Iowa also provides for trial placements in general education of up to 45 school days before a formal placement change (281 IAC 41.116).
What Iowa Requires
Evaluation completed and eligibility determined: within 60 calendar days from receipt of written parental consent (281 IAC 41.301; 34 CFR 300.301(c)(1)).
Initial IEP developed: within 30 calendar days of eligibility determination (281 IAC 41.323; 34 CFR 300.323(c)).
Annual IEP review: at least once every 12 months (281 IAC 41.324; 34 CFR 300.324(b)(1)).
Reevaluation: at least once every three years; no more than once per year without consent (281 IAC 41.303; 34 CFR 300.303).
Transition planning begins: no later than first IEP in effect when student turns 14 (Iowa Code § 256B.4; 281 IAC 41.320) — Iowa is 2 years earlier than federal minimum.
Rights transfer notification: at least one year before age 18 (281 IAC 41.505; 34 CFR 300.520).
Manifestation determination review (MDR): within 10 school days of change-of-placement decision (281 IAC 41.530(e)).
State complaint resolution: 60 calendar days from filing (34 CFR 300.152).
Due process: resolution meeting within 15 days; 30-day resolution period; hearing decision within 45 days thereafter (281 IAC 41.510; 41.515).
Restraint/seclusion parent notification: within 1 hour or end of school day; written report within 3 school days; IEP/BIP review within 10 school days (281 IAC 103.8–103.10).
Key Timelines
Written parental consent → evaluation completed + eligibility determined: 60 calendar days (281 IAC 41.301).
Eligibility determination → initial IEP in effect: 30 calendar days (281 IAC 41.323).
Annual IEP review: every 12 months (281 IAC 41.324).
Reevaluation: every 3 years minimum (281 IAC 41.303).
Transition IEP: begins no later than age 14 (Iowa Code § 256B.4).
Rights transfer notice: by age 17, transfer at 18 (281 IAC 41.505).
MDR: 10 school days from change-of-placement decision (281 IAC 41.530).
FAPE through: age 21 or regular diploma (Iowa Code § 256B.2).