Missouri Special Education (IEP) Timeline

What Parents Can Expect — Day by Day

This timeline explains the legal timeframes in Missouri for special education services, starting with a request for an evaluation and continuing through annual IEP reviews.

🗓️ Initial Special Education Process (Missouri)

Day 0 – Written Request for Evaluation

• A parent or school submits a written request asking for a special education evaluation.
  
  

• This officially starts the Missouri special education timeline.

Within 5 School Days

• Parents receive Procedural Safeguards (your rights under special education law).

Within 30 Calendar Days

• The school reviews existing information and decides whether to evaluate.
  
  

• Parents receive Prior Written Notice (PWN) stating whether the district agrees or refuses to evaluate.
  
  

• Many schools hold a Review of Existing Data (RED) meeting during this time.

Parent Signs Consent to Evaluate

• The evaluation timeline does not begin until written consent is received.
  
  

• The next deadline is based on this date.
  
  

Within 60 Calendar Days of Signed Consent

• All evaluations are completed.
  
  

• An Eligibility Meeting is held to determine if the student qualifies for special education services.

Within ~20 Calendar Days After Eligibility Meeting

• Parents receive a copy of the evaluation report
  
  (Missouri guidance uses “reasonable time,” commonly interpreted as about 20 days)

Within 30 Calendar Days of Eligibility

• If the student is eligible:
  
  

  • The Initial IEP Meeting is held.
    
    

  • The IEP is written and finalized.
    
    

Services Begin

• Special education services start as soon as possible after the IEP is completed.