IEP Timelines in Louisiana
What are the IEP timelines in Louisiana?
Louisiana has several state-specific timeline requirements that differ meaningfully from federal minimums and from other states. The most critical is the 60 BUSINESS DAY evaluation timeline (not calendar days), which is longer than many states and includes a summer interruption rule (Bulletin 1508, §511). Key timelines: Initial evaluation — 60 business days from parental consent, with summer interruption (Bulletin 1508, §511). Reevaluation — at least every 3 years (Bulletin 1508, §304(b)(2)). IEP development — 30 calendar days from eligibility determination (Bulletin 1530, §105(A)). Service start — no later than 10 school days from IEP development (Bulletin 1530, §105(A)). Transfer enrollment — 5 school days (Bulletin 1530, §105). Annual IEP review — at least annually (Bulletin 1706, §324(B)). Transition services in IEP — first IEP at age 16 (Bulletin 1706, §320(B)). Age of majority notification — at age 17 for rights transfer at 18 (Bulletin 1706, §520). FAPE — ages 3 through 21 (Bulletin 1706, §230). Seclusion/restraint phone notification — same school day; written notification — by end of next school day (La. R.S. 17:416.21). MDR — 10 school days from disciplinary change of placement (Bulletin 1706, §530(E)). Due process resolution period — 30 calendar days; ALJ decision — 45 calendar days post-resolution period. Formal complaint decision — 45 days (60 if ERP waived) (Bulletin 1573). Educational records access — 45 days; copies — 10 business days.
What Louisiana Requires
Initial evaluation: 60 BUSINESS DAYS from parental consent, with summer interruption rule (Bulletin 1508, §511; Bulletin 1706, §302(C)).
Bulletin 1508, §511; Bulletin 1706, §302(C)
IEP must be developed within 30 calendar days of eligibility determination; services must begin within 10 school days (Bulletin 1530, §105(A)).
Bulletin 1530, §105(A)
Transfer students must be enrolled with their existing IEP within 5 school days of transfer (Bulletin 1530, §105).
Bulletin 1530, §105
Seclusion/restraint written parent notification: by end of next school day following incident (La. R.S. 17:416.21).
La. R.S. 17:416.21(D)
Formal complaint decision: 45 days after ERP period (or 60 days from receipt if ERP waived) (Bulletin 1573).
Bulletin 1573; LDOE Dispute Resolution
Key Timelines
Initial evaluation: 60 business days from consent (Bulletin 1508, §511).
Summer interruption: pauses June 1, resumes September 1; days used before June 1 subtracted from count (Bulletin 1508, §511).
Reevaluation: at least every 3 years (Bulletin 1508, §304(b)(2)).
IEP development: within 30 calendar days of eligibility (Bulletin 1530, §105(A)).
Service start: within 10 school days of IEP completion (Bulletin 1530, §105(A)).
Transfer enrollment: within 5 school days (Bulletin 1530, §105).
Annual IEP review: at least annually (Bulletin 1706, §324(B)).
Transition services in IEP: starting at age 16 (Bulletin 1706, §320(B)).
Age of majority notification: 1 year before student's 18th birthday (Bulletin 1706, §520).
FAPE available: ages 3 through 21 (Bulletin 1706, §230; La. R.S. 17:1941).
Seclusion/restraint phone notification: same school day (La. R.S. 17:416.21(D)).
Seclusion/restraint written notification: by end of next school day (La. R.S. 17:416.21).
MDR: within 10 school days of change of placement (Bulletin 1706, §530(E)).
Due process resolution period: 30 calendar days (34 CFR 300.510).
ALJ decision: within 45 calendar days after resolution period expires (34 CFR 300.515(a)).
Formal complaint decision: 45 days (60 if ERP waived) (Bulletin 1573).
Records access: 45 days; copies 10 business days (Bulletin 1706, §613(A); La. R.S. 17:406.9(B)(2)).
Due process filing deadline: 1 year from alleged violation (Bulletin 1706, §507).