How long does it take to get an IEP in high-school?

Before I get into my answer to the question I am not an attorney, I don't play one online (not even a little bit) and the information that I am going to provide is not legal advice nor a replacement for legal advice if you need it.

Q: How long does it take to get an IEP in high-school? My daughter's school said a 504 would be sufficient, but they don't give her the support she needs and she ends up melting down and I have to get her from school. They have been telling me an IEP would take years to get and she's a junior.  She has letters from her therapist and diagnosis but they still are balking at it.

A: You know your daughter, a 504 might be educationally sufficient, not all students with disabilities need an IEP. That being said it doesn't mean your daughter doesn't need an IEP and this is where your advocacy will help.

An IEP allows for Specially Designed Instruction, that is modifications or changes to how the material is instructed or presented to your child with specific methodologies used. A 504 and an IEP can provide goals, accommodations and related services. 

The process for eligibility for an IEP in PA follows the federal regulations starting with a comprehensive evaluation in all areas of suspected disability and allows for up to 60 days to complete the evaluations and if found eligible a further 30 days to hold a meeting to develop the IEP.

A district is only required to consider the diagnosis of medical professionals and they only have to consider the recommendations from any outside provider or medical professional. A diagnosis is not in and of itself an immediate qualifier for eligibility. In writing I would recommend asking the district for a cogent written response to why they believe your daughter's medical recommendations have not, at the least, triggered a referral for evaluation if one was never completed and request one at the same time.