Answers to the questions Arizona and California families ask us most
Welcome to our special education advocate FAQ, where we answer the questions Arizona and California families ask us most often about the IEP and 504 plan process. Navigating special education can raise a lot of questions, especially if it’s your first time working with your child’s school team. Below, you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often, drawing on more than 32 years of hands-on special education advocacy experience. If you don’t see your question answered in this FAQ, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help.
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) provides specialized instruction and related services for students who qualify under one of 13 disability categories and need more than accommodations to make academic progress. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time on tests or preferential seating, for students whose disability affects their access to education but who don’t require specialized instruction. IEPs fall under IDEA and include specific, measurable goals reviewed annually, while 504 plans are typically reviewed less formally.
Put your request in writing. Include your child’s full name and date of birth, a brief explanation of your concerns, a clear statement requesting a full evaluation under IDEA, your contact information, and the date. Send it to your child’s principal and the special education coordinator, and keep a copy for your records. Sending it by email or certified mail creates a paper trail confirming when the school received it.
Yes. You can request a review meeting at any time if you believe the current plan isn’t meeting your child’s needs. Your child’s needs may change as they grow, and their plan should evolve with them rather than staying static year after year.
Document everything first: what services the IEP requires, what’s actually being provided, specific dates and examples, and who you’ve discussed it with. Start by raising the issue with the teacher or service provider directly, since non-implementation is sometimes an oversight rather than a refusal. If that doesn’t resolve it, put your concerns in writing to the special education coordinator and request an IEP meeting to address the gap.
Review your child’s current IEP or 504 plan beforehand and note whether the existing accommodations are actually working. Write down specific questions about academic progress, work habits, and social-emotional concerns. Bring any outside evaluations, therapist notes, or documentation that supports your concerns, and don’t hesitate to ask the team to explain anything in plain language.
Once you request an evaluation, Arizona schools must hold a meeting within 15 days to discuss your request and obtain your consent. After you consent, the school has 60 days to complete the evaluation.
Yes. Arizona law allows you to record IEP meetings as long as you notify the school district in advance, generally at least 24 hours before the meeting.
You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the district’s evaluation results. You also have the right to file a state complaint with the Arizona Department of Education if you believe your child’s rights under IDEA aren’t being met.
California schools must respond to a written assessment request and obtain parental consent within 15 calendar days. Once consent is given, the district generally has 60 calendar days to complete the assessment and hold the IEP meeting.
Yes. California often layers additional state-specific protections on top of federal IDEA requirements, including specific procedures for manifestation determination in discipline cases and additional parental consent requirements. If you’re unsure how a specific California statute applies to your child’s situation, it’s worth discussing directly with an advocate familiar with your district.
We’re here to help you understand your rights and advocate for your child
