This document outlines the timeline for initial special education evaluations and programs in Michigan according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Michigan law. It includes the following key steps: 1) referral for evaluation, 2) parental consent for evaluation within 10 days, 3) evaluation completion within 30 days, 4) IEP development and offer of services, 5) parental consent for services within 10 days, and 6) IEP implementation within 15 days. The timeline ensures eligible students receive special education services in a timely manner according to federal and state guidelines.

1. Michigan Special Education One Pager: Timeline for Initials
Initial evaluations and
Activity Timeline initial individualized
Public Awareness Annually; Ongoing education programs
School districts must inform the public (commonly referred to
about available special education as ‘initials’) are activities
programs and services and how to undertaken for a child who
access those programs and services. is not currently receiving
This is part of the district’s Child Find special education services.
responsibility.
These special education
Referral Anytime policies are required
A child suspected of having a disability under the Individuals with
is referred for special education Disabilities Education Act
programs and services by contacting (IDEA) and the Michigan
school district personnel. Administrative Rules
for Special Education
Parental Consent to Evaluate Within 10 calendar days
(MARSE).
A district must contact parents when Counted from the date the
a referral is received and request district receives the referral.
parental consent to evaluate a child
suspected of having a disability.
Evaluation Within 30 school days*
A Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team Counted from the date
(MET) conducts the initial evaluation. the district receives the
Parental Consent to Evaluate
to completion of the IEP
Individualized Education Program (the time to complete the
(IEP) Evaluation is included in the
The IEP Team is convened to determine 30 school days).
eligibility and develop the child’s IEP.
The IEP is completed when the district *If the parent and the
makes its offer of a Free Appropriate district agree, the timeline
Public Education (FAPE) to the child’s for initial activities may be
parent. extended beyond 30 school
days.
Notice to Parent of Intent Within 7 calendar days
to Implement Counted from the date the This document is produced by the
The completed IEP is given to the superintendent/designee Michigan Department of Education,
district superintendent/designee. The receives the IEP. Office of Special Education and Early
superintendent provides written notice Intervention Services. To learn more,
visit www.michigan.gov/ose-eis and
to the parent about where and when select Annual Performance Report/
the district intends to implement the State Performance Plan under the
IEP. Special Education & Early Intervention
Services tab. For an overview of the
Parental Consent for Provision Within 10 calendar days State Performance Plan Child Find
Indicator 11, visit www.cenmi.org and
of Programs and Services Counted from the date select Special Education Facts under
Parent consent is required before the the parent receives the the Documents tab.
district is allowed to provide special Notice to Parent of Intent to
education programs and services that Implement.
are in the IEP.
Implementation Within 15 school days
The district implements the child’s IEP. Counted from the date of the
Notice to Parent of Intent to Michigan Department of Education,
Implement. Office of Special Education and Early
Intervention Services
OSE-EIS Policy Document−MOP001 Revised Date:
Publication Date: 11/10/09