Minnesota IEP Deadlines: The Overview Every Parent Should Know

Written by Casey, a Minnesota school counselor and former special education teacher.

Minnesota's special education process runs on real legal deadlines, not general guidance -- and missing one, or not realizing one applies, is one of the most common ways families lose leverage without meaning to. Here's the actual timeline.

Initial evaluation: 30 school days

Once you sign consent, Minnesota requires the evaluation to be completed AND the team to determine eligibility within the same 30-school-day window -- eligibility isn't a separate, later deadline. This is school days, not calendar days, so weekends, holidays, and breaks don't count toward it. (Minn. R. 3525.2550, subp. 2)

IEP development: 30 calendar days after eligibility

If your child is found eligible, Minnesota requires the IEP team to meet again and develop the IEP -- and offer a placement -- within 30 calendar days of the eligibility determination. This one runs on calendar days. (34 C.F.R. § 300.323(c)(1))

Annual review: at least once every 12 months

The IEP team must review, and revise if needed, the IEP at least once every 12 months. (34 C.F.R. § 300.324(b)(1)(i))

Reevaluation: at least once every 3 years

A full reevaluation is required at least once every 3 years, unless you and the district agree it's unnecessary. (34 C.F.R. § 300.303(b)(2))

Why school days vs. calendar days matters

The initial evaluation deadline (school days) and the IEP development deadline (calendar days) are measured differently, which catches a lot of families off guard -- a deadline that looks close on a calendar might actually have more real school days left than it appears, or vice versa. It's worth confirming which type of day applies before assuming a deadline has passed.

Track these deadlines automatically for your own child in IEP Navigator