We're Moving — What Happens to My Child's IEP?

Moving is stressful enough without worrying about whether your child's special education services will follow them. If your child has an IEP, you probably have a lot of questions: Will the new school honor the current plan? Will my child have to start the whole process over? How long will it take to get services in place?

The short answer is that the law protects your child. But knowing exactly what the law requires — and taking a few smart steps before and during the move — can make the difference between a smooth transition and weeks of lost services.

The Quick Answer

Your child's IEP does not disappear when you move. The new school district must provide comparable services from the day your child enrolls. Within 30 days, the new district must either adopt the existing IEP or hold a meeting to develop a new one. Your child should not experience a gap in services.

Your Rights in This Situation

• Services must begin on day one. The new district must provide services comparable to those in your child's current IEP starting on the date of enrollment. The school cannot tell you "we need a few weeks to get set up."
• The 30-day rule applies. If you're moving within California to a different SELPA, the new district has 30 days to adopt your child's existing IEP or develop a new one. If they want to re-evaluate, they must complete the assessment within 30 days — not the standard 60.
• You don't have to start over. The new district cannot require your child to go through the entire evaluation and eligibility process from scratch (unless you're coming from out of state and they determine California's eligibility criteria require a new evaluation).
• You can bring anyone you want to the new IEP meeting. If you have an advocate or someone who knows your child's history, they can attend.

What to Do

1. Before you move, request complete copies of your child's records. Ask the current school for copies of the current IEP, all evaluation reports, progress reports, behavior plans, and any correspondence related to special education. You are entitled to these at no cost.

2. Keep everything organized and accessible. Put all documents in a binder or a digital folder. When you enroll at the new school, you want to be able to hand them a complete picture of your child's services and history.

3. Notify the new school immediately upon enrollment. On the first day, tell the school that your child has an active IEP and provide a copy. Ask to speak with the special education coordinator or case manager right away. Follow up with an email documenting the conversation.

4. Ask what comparable services will look like. Within the first few days, send a written request asking the school to confirm what comparable services your child will receive and when they will start. Get the plan in writing.

5. Track the 30-day deadline. Write down the date your child enrolls. If 30 days pass without an IEP meeting being held or the existing IEP being adopted, follow up in writing. The school is out of compliance.

6. Attend the new IEP meeting prepared. Bring copies of the old IEP, evaluations, and progress data. Be ready to explain what was working, what wasn't, and what your child needs. You are an equal member of the IEP team — your input matters as much as anyone's at that table.

If the New School Reduces Services

If the new district proposes an IEP with fewer services than your child was receiving, ask why. Request Prior Written Notice explaining the basis for the reduction, the data they relied on, and the alternatives considered. A move is not a valid reason to cut services. If you disagree with the new IEP, you have the right to request mediation or file for due process.

Learn More

• Transfer Rights — Full details on interim IEP requirements, in-state vs. out-of-state moves, and what the law requires
• IEP Basics — Understanding the IEP process and your rights as a parent
• Evaluation Rights — What to do if the new district wants to re-evaluate your child