Skip to main content
https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/understanding-special-education-process
Date: 09/07/2025

English ▼

English
Español

We open opportunities for justice.

User account menu

  • Contact
  • Log in
  • Sign up
Home
  • Mobile - Search Block

    Google custom search block

  • Get Legal Help
  • About Us
  • Resources
    • I am...
      • a senior (60 years or older)
      • an immigrant to the U.S.
      • someone with a family member who was in jail or prison
      • a member of the LGBTQIA+ community
      • a veteran, active duty military or have had military service
      • a youth or parent of a youth
      • a survivor of abuse or crime
      • homeless or at risk of homelessness
      • living with a disability
      • living with HIV/AIDS
      • a non-profit organization or small business
    • Family & Safety
    • House & Apartment
    • Money & Debt
    • Business & Work
    • School & Education
    • Health & Benefits
    • Immigrants & Immigration
    • Voting & Civil Rights
    • Crime & Traffic
    • Courts & Hearings
    • Form Library
    • Glossary
  • For Legal Professionals
    • Practice Resources
    • Lawyer Manuals
    • IICLE Library
    • LTF Initiatives
    • Calendar
    • Job Postings
    • Discussion Groups
    • Volunteer with Us
  • Mobile Login Menu

    User account menu

    User account menu

    • Contact
    • Log in
    • Sign up
  • Language switcher block

    Language switcher

    • English

We open opportunities for justice.

How can we help you?

Search Icon
Get Legal Help

English ▼

English
Español

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. School & Education
  3. Students with disabilities
  4. Understanding the special education process

AddToAny buttons

PRINT
Print this to take with you
SHARE
Share this page to social media channels
QUICK EXIT
Internet usage can be tracked. Use this to leave this site immediately. Remember to clear your browser history to hide activity.
DONATE
Help ILAO open opportunities for justice

School & Education

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online
Understanding the special education process Guide

AddToAny buttons

PRINT
Print this to take with you
SHARE
Share this page to social media channels
QUICK EXIT
Internet usage can be tracked. Use this to leave this site immediately. Remember to clear your browser history to hide activity.
DONATE
Help ILAO open opportunities for justice
content block

Children with disabilities can receive special education services from the age of 3 through age 21. Before that, they can qualify for early intervention services. 

A child must be tested to get special education services. Parents can ask for an evaluation by writing to the school principal. The school must respond within 14 school days. Learn more about asking for a special education evaluation. 

If the school agrees to test your child, they will ask for your consent. Within 60 school days of your consent, the school must complete the evaluation and hold a meeting to decide if your child is eligible. The school must test your child in all suspected areas of disability. Learn more about the evaluation and eligibility process. 

If your child is eligible for special education, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be written. Learn more about setting up an IEP. 

If your child is not eligible for special education, you can consider asking for a 504 plan. 

If you disagree with the school, there are different ways to resolve problems with the school.

Last full review by a subject matter expert
July 22, 2024
Last revised by staff
December 05, 2024

About our legal information

Take action

Filing a complaint with the board of education
Going to a due process hearing for special education
Mediation for Special Education

Learn more

Early intervention services for children with disabilities
Requesting a special education evaluation
Special education evaluations and eligibility
Setting up an individualized education program or IEP
504 plans
Resolving special education conflicts
Understanding discipline of special education students

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

Take action

Filing a complaint with the board of education
Going to a due process hearing for special education
Mediation for Special Education

Learn more

Early intervention services for children with disabilities
Requesting a special education evaluation
Special education evaluations and eligibility
Setting up an individualized education program or IEP
504 plans
Resolving special education conflicts
Understanding discipline of special education students

Supporting Law

To learn more, click the outside resource links below. You can also learn more about doing your own legal research.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1400 to 1500
US Department of Education Regulations, Special Education, 34 C.F.R. 300.1 to 300.537
Illinois Special Education Regulations, 23 Ill. Adm. Code 226.10 to 226.690
contact-us
Your feedback is the best way for us to improve our services. How can we improve this site?
Contact us

 

© 2025 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.

  • English

Company

  • About
  • Team
  • Impact
  • Plans and Vision
  • Story
  • Events
  • Annual report
  • ILAO in the news
  • Why Donate?
  • Work with us

Resources

  • Family & Safety
  • House & Apartment
  • Money & Debt
  • Health & Benefits
  • Business & Work
  • School & Education
  • Immigrants & Immigration
  • Voting & Civil Rights
  • Crime & Traffic
  • Court & Hearings

Quick Links

  • Form Library
  • Ready to Work Portal
  • Victims of Crime Portal
  • New Leaf Portal
  • Legal Self-Help Centers

 

Terms and policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Site FAQs

© 2025 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.