Idaho IEP evaluation deadline: how long does the school have?

You signed consent for the evaluation. Here is exactly what Idaho requires next, and what to do if the date passes.

The part most parents miss: the break pause was removed — older advice is out of date

Idaho used to stop the 60-day clock during school breaks of five or more days. It was called the "State Exception." Plenty of websites, handouts, and even district staff still describe it.

It was phased out in 2025–26. Idaho now runs a strict 60 calendar days. Winter break counts. Spring break counts. Summer counts.

If someone tells you the clock paused over a break, ask them to show you where that is in the current Idaho Special Education Manual. It is not there anymore.

How to count your deadline

1. Find the date the district received your signed consent. Not the date you mailed it — the date they got it.
2. Count forward 60 calendar days, including weekends, holidays, breaks, and summer. Nothing is added back.
3. That date is the deadline for the evaluation and the eligibility decision.

What to do if the deadline passes

1. Put it in writing the same week. Email the case manager and the special education director. State the consent date, the deadline date, and that it has passed. A phone call creates no record.
2. Do not accept a break-based excuse. The break exception is gone as of 2025–26. Say so in writing and cite the current manual.
3. Ask for prior written notice. If the district refuses or delays, you are entitled to a written explanation of what it is doing and why.
4. File a state complaint. A missed timeline is a straightforward compliance violation. In Idaho this goes to the Idaho State Department of Education (SDE), Special Education. It is free and does not require a lawyer.
5. Keep the paper trail. Every date, every email, every response.