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West · CO

Colorado special education IEP compliance and timelines

Governing regulations: 1 CCR 301-8 (Rules for the Administration of the Exceptional Children's Educational Act). State education agency: Colorado Department of Education.

Initial evaluation
60 calendar days from initiation of a written special education referral, which CDE measures from receipt of parental consent.
Initial IEP meeting
A meeting to develop the initial IEP within 30 calendar days of the eligibility determination. (34 CFR § 300.323(c)(1))
Annual review
At least once every 365 days (34 CFR § 300.324(b)(1)).
Reevaluation
At least every 3 years unless the parent and LEA agree it is unnecessary, and not more than once a year without agreement (34 CFR § 300.303).
Transition planning
Must be in effect by age 15, earlier than the federal age of 16.
Academic standards
Colorado Academic Standards
IEP forms & systems
No single mandated statewide IEP platform; administrative units use vendor systems, and CDE publishes model IEP forms.

Where Colorado differs from the federal baseline

  • Transition plans begin with the first IEP developed at age 15, and no later than the end of 9th grade (1 CCR 301-8, Rule 4.03(6)(d)).
  • Special education is administered through Administrative Units (districts, BOCES and the Charter School Institute).
  • The ECEA covers both students with disabilities and gifted students, so state rules address both populations.
  • The Colorado READ Act requires K-3 reading screening and READ plans that run alongside IDEA child find.

Current monitoring priorities

  • Indicator 11 timely initial evaluations
  • Indicator 13 transition plans starting at age 15
  • Administrative Unit general supervision and data accuracy
Colorado Department of Education

CO IEP compliance checklist

  1. 01Signed consent date recorded; evaluation due within 60 calendar days.
  2. 02Eligibility determined and initial IEP meeting scheduled: A meeting to develop the initial IEP within 30 calendar days of the eligibility determination.
  3. 03PLAAFP includes measurable baselines and a statement of how the disability affects involvement in the general curriculum (34 CFR § 300.320(a)(1)).
  4. 04Each annual goal is measurable, with condition, behavior, criterion and measurement method (§ 300.320(a)(2)).
  5. 05Progress reporting schedule stated for each goal (§ 300.320(a)(3)).
  6. 06Transition goals and services in effect by age 15 where applicable.
  7. 07Prior Written Notice issued for every proposal or refusal, with all seven § 300.503(b) elements.
  8. 08Annual review scheduled within 365 days; reevaluation within 3 years.
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