Can a Parent Request an IEP Meeting at Any Time in California?
As a parent, you have the legal right to request an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting at any point during the school year. This right, which is backed by both federal and state law, is rooted in your central role in your child’s education and in ensuring they receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
At Woodsmall Law Group, PC., we work with families across Southern California, including the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), to make sure your voices are heard and your child’s needs are being met.
Parent Rights Under IDEA and California Law
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the California Education Code guarantee meaningful parental participation in the IEP process.
These laws exist to protect parents’ rights in IEP processes in California, especially when changes in behavior, academic performance, or services arise. Specifically:
- 34 C.F.R. § 300.322 requires schools to ensure that parents are included in IEP meetings and that meetings are scheduled at mutually agreeable times and places.
- California Education Code § 56343.5 provides that an IEP meeting must be held upon request by a parent “as soon as possible following the receipt of the request,” typically interpreted as within 30 calendar days.
Reasons for Requesting an IEP Meeting
IEP teams are not limited to annual meetings. If you feel your child’s current plan is not addressing their needs, you don’t have to wait. Parents may request an IEP meeting at any time to discuss new concerns or to review their child’s progress. Common reasons include:
- Academic regression or failure to meet IEP goals
- New behavioral challenges at school or home
- Concerns over how services are being delivered
- Recent evaluations or diagnoses
- The need to discuss placement or additional supports
How to Request an IEP Meeting
Make the Request in Writing
Although verbal requests are legal, it is always best to make your request in writing by email or letter. This creates a paper trail and starts the 30-day timeline for the school’s response.
Your request should include:
- Your name and your child’s name
- The date of the request
- A clear statement that you are requesting an IEP meeting
- The reason(s) for your request (optional but helpful)
- A request for a response and proposed meeting dates
Sample Email
Subject: Request for IEP Meeting for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Case Manager/Principal],
I am writing to formally request an IEP meeting for my child, [Child’s Full Name], who attends [School Name]. I would like to discuss [brief reason—e.g., recent behavior concerns, need to review services].
Please consider this my formal request for a meeting pursuant to California Education Code § 56343.5. I look forward to working together to support [Child’s Name]’s educational needs.
Sincerely,
[Parent’s Full Name]
[Contact Information]
How Frequently Can Parents Request IEP Meetings?
Under IEP meeting frequency laws, there is no limit to how often a parent can request a meeting. However, requests should be reasonable and tied to meaningful concerns about the child’s educational progress or services.
Generally, two to four meetings per year outside of the annual review are considered within reason, especially if the child’s situation is changing or support needs are evolving.
What If the School Refuses or Delays?
If a school refuses to hold an IEP meeting or fails to respond within the 30-calendar-day window, it may be violating parental rights under IDEA and California special education rules.
In such cases, you have several options:
- Follow up in writing to document the delay
- Contact the district’s special education office
- Request assistance from a parent advocate or attorney
- File a compliance complaint with the California Department of Education (CDE)
Also, repeated delays or refusal to meet may also be grounds for a Due Process complaint, especially if the delay affects your child’s right to FAPE.
What Happens After the Meeting Is Scheduled?
Once your meeting is scheduled, school staff must:
- Give you adequate notice (at least 10 days)
- Ensure all relevant IEP team members attend
- Provide necessary documentation in advance (e.g., assessments, progress reports)
If new concerns arise during the meeting, the team may decide to amend the IEP or conduct new evaluations. You are not required to agree to any changes during the meeting, and you have the right to request additional time to review proposals or bring in an IEP parent advocate for support.
Special Considerations for LAUSD Families
If your child is enrolled in the Los Angeles Unified School District, there are additional protocols to be aware of:
- LAUSD typically requires written requests to go to the IEP case manager or school principal.
- The district is responsible for scheduling interpreters for non-English-speaking families.
- Parents can bring legal counsel or IEP parent advocates to the meeting.
LAUSD maintains a Parent and Community Services office to help guide parents through the process, but many families still benefit from professional advocacy, especially in more complex or disputed cases.
Parental Input and FAPE
Your input as a parent is not just important—it’s legally mandated. Parents are equal members of the IEP team. If your child’s educational program is no longer effective or if services aren’t being implemented, requesting an IEP meeting is your first step in advocating for change. More specifically, you have the right to:
- Participate meaningfully in IEP development
- Review educational records
- Provide input on goals, services, and placements
- Request changes to the IEP
- Disagree with decisions and pursue dispute resolution
Tips for a Successful IEP Meeting
Here are practical ways to prepare and participate effectively:
- Review the Current IEP: Note progress, missed services, or outdated goals.
- Document Your Concerns: Bring examples: report cards, teacher emails, behavioral logs.
- Invite Support: You may bring a family member, advocate, or attorney to the meeting.
- Record the Meeting: California law allows you to record IEP meetings with a 24-hour written notice.
- Don’t Rush Decisions: If needed, request to continue the meeting on another date to review new proposals.
Advocating for Your Child’s Rights
The IEP process should be a collaborative one, but sometimes parents face resistance or a lack of responsiveness from school staff. If your district delays, denies, or minimizes your concerns, you don’t have to navigate this situation alone!
At Woodsmall Law Group, PC., we’ve been helping families for over 20 years across Los Angeles and Southern California. Whether you need help writing a strong IEP meeting request, attending a challenging meeting, or pursuing legal action when your rights are denied, we’re here to support and empower you.
Speak With Our Trusted Special Education Lawyers in Los Angeles
At Woodsmall Law Group, PC., we are committed to helping families secure the services and supports your child is entitled to receive. If you have any questions about IEPs or any other aspect of your child’s educational program, contact our Los Angeles Unified School District special education attorneys at (626) 440-0028 for a free consultation.