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How Long Does a School Have to Evaluate My Child in New York?

Evaluation timelines in New York are set by state special education rules and published by NYSED. Do not rely on a blog's day count—confirm the exact deadline (and whether it uses school days or calendar days) in New York's procedural safeguards and on the official NYSED special education page linked below.

Author
S.S. Education Advocacy Team
Reading time
5 min read
Last updated
Updated July 18, 2026
Topic
State guides · New York

Understanding the Evaluation Process

The evaluation process is a critical step in determining whether your child qualifies for special education services. In New York, this involves a series of assessments conducted by the school to understand your child's educational needs.

Evaluations are comprehensive and can include academic, psychological, and medical assessments. The goal is to gather enough information to make informed decisions about your child's educational plan.

Timeline for Evaluations in New York

Evaluation timelines in New York are set by state special education rules and published by NYSED. Do not rely on a blog's day count—confirm the exact deadline (and whether it uses school days or calendar days) in New York's procedural safeguards and on the official NYSED special education page linked below.

Evaluation timelines in New York are set by state special education rules and published by NYSED. Do not rely on a blog's day count—confirm the exact deadline (and whether it uses school days or calendar days) in New York's procedural safeguards and on the official NYSED special education page linked below.

Evaluation timelines in New York are set by state special education rules and published by NYSED. Do not rely on a blog's day count—confirm the exact deadline (and whether it uses school days or calendar days) in New York's procedural safeguards and on the official NYSED special education page linked below.

What Happens After the Evaluation?

After the evaluation is completed, the school will schedule a meeting to discuss the results with you. This meeting is often referred to as the eligibility meeting or IEP meeting.

During this meeting, the team will determine if your child qualifies for special education services and, if so, will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to your child's needs.

Delays in the Evaluation Process

If the school does not meet the 60-day timeline, it's important to communicate with the school to understand the reason for the delay. Sometimes delays can occur due to scheduling conflicts or missing information.

In such cases, you may consider reaching out to the school's special education coordinator or principal to discuss the delay and find a resolution.

Your Rights as a Parent

As a parent, you have the right to be informed and involved throughout the evaluation process. You should receive copies of all evaluation reports and have the opportunity to discuss them with the evaluation team.

You also have the right to request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation.

How to Prepare for an Evaluation

Preparing for your child's evaluation can help ensure a smooth process. Gather any relevant medical records, previous evaluations, and school reports that might be useful.

Consider discussing your child's strengths and challenges with teachers and other professionals who know your child well. This information can be valuable during the evaluation.

Practical tips

  • Keep a copy of the consent form you signed for your records.
  • Mark the 60-day deadline on your calendar to track the timeline.
  • Communicate regularly with the school to stay informed about the evaluation progress.
  • Prepare a list of questions and concerns to discuss during the eligibility meeting.
  • If delays occur, document all communication with the school for future reference.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming the timeline is in school days instead of calendar days.
  • Not keeping a written record of communications with the school.
  • Using another state's day count or an unofficial blog timeline instead of your state's procedural safeguards.
  • Not preparing questions or concerns for the eligibility meeting.

Official sources

Confirm timelines, forms, and filing steps on these official pages—rules can change.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if the school misses the 60-day deadline?
Contact the school's special education coordinator or principal to discuss the delay and seek a resolution.
Can I request an independent evaluation if I disagree with the school's evaluation?
Yes, you can request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation.
Do weekends and holidays count in the 60-day timeline?
Yes, the 60-day timeline includes weekends and holidays as it is based on calendar days.
What types of assessments are included in an evaluation?
Evaluations can include academic, psychological, medical, and other assessments relevant to your child's needs.
Who will be present at the eligibility meeting?
The eligibility meeting typically includes you, teachers, school psychologists, and other relevant professionals involved in the evaluation.

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