NYC School Year Calendar: Important Special Education Deadlines
In special education law, timing matters. Here is a practical look at the key dates and deadlines that shape the school year for NYC families navigating the system.
Before the School Year Starts (Summer)
The period between June and August is one of the most critical for families with pending or anticipated placements.
Annual IEP reviews should have been completed before the end of the prior school year. If you have not yet received a proposed IEP for the coming year, follow up immediately.
If you are considering a private school placement for the fall, the 10-day notice to the DOE should be sent before the school year begins, and ideally before you enroll your child.
Extended School Year (ESY) services, if mandated in your child's IEP, should already be underway. If they have not started or services are not being delivered, contact the CSE.
September Through November
The school year is now underway. This is the time to:
Confirm that all IEP services are being delivered as written. If sessions are being missed or a service provider position is unfilled, document it immediately.
Check in with your child's teacher and service providers about progress. If concerns emerge early, address them now rather than waiting.
If your child's IEP was changed over the summer and you disagreed with the change, be aware that the clock for certain legal actions may already be running.
December Through February
This is often when annual IEP reviews begin to be scheduled, and when families thinking about a private school placement for the following school year should start planning.
If your child's annual review is coming up, start preparing now. Gather evaluations, progress reports, and your own observations.
If you are thinking about a private school for next fall, this is the time to consult with an attorney. The timeline for making that decision responsibly is longer than most people expect.
March Through May
Spring is a busy time in the special education calendar.
Annual IEP reviews for students are typically scheduled during this period.
ESY eligibility should be addressed at the annual review. If you believe your child is entitled to summer services and the IEP does not include them, raise it now.
June
The school year is ending. Before it does:
Confirm that all services have been provided as required. Request session logs if you have any doubts.
If your child was not fully served during the year and you believe they are owed compensatory services, document the gaps and consult with an attorney.
Make sure you have a copy of the final IEP for the year, all progress reports, and any correspondence with the school.
The Two-Year Statute of Limitations
One of the most important deadlines in special education law does not appear on any school calendar. Under New York law, you have two years from the date you knew or should have known about a violation to file for an impartial hearing.
This applies to missed services, inappropriate placements, inadequate IEPs, and other legal claims. If you have concerns about something that happened in a prior school year, do not assume it is too late to act without first checking with an attorney.
When in Doubt, Document and Act Early
The families who are best positioned in any legal proceeding are those who have kept records, communicated in writing, and acted before deadlines passed.
If you have questions about timing or want to know whether a particular deadline affects your situation, we are happy to talk it through.
Mastrangelo & Saul | New York City Special Education Law | This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.