The timelines, deadlines, and rights that apply to YOUR child's IEP in Mississippi — in plain language, with the actual law attached. Verified citations, no legalese, no paywall on knowledge.
Federal law (IDEA) sets the floor; Mississippi sets some of its own clocks. These are the ones parents use most:
60 calendar days from receipt of parental consent to complete evaluation and determine eligibility.
Mississippi does not specify a separate response timeline beyond the federal requirement. Child Find referrals must be forwarded within 7 calendar days.
30 calendar days after eligibility determination, the IEP must be developed.
Written complaint filed with MDE. Must include specific allegations and supporting facts. — Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Special Education. File violation must have occurred within 1 year of filing date. Resolved in 60 calendar days from receipt of complaint.
Resolution session: Within 15 days of due process complaint filing. Hearing decision: 45 days after resolution period ends. Mississippi uses hearing officers for due process..
Tip: every one of these clocks starts with something in writing. Emails count. Phone calls don't.
Mississippi IEP rule. Requires IEP development within 30 calendar days of eligibility. MS-specific: (1) IEP must address dyslexia screening results (MS dyslexia screening is mandatory K-3 under § 37-173-15), (2) Mississippi Empowerment Scholarship considered for IEP students, and (3) annual review required.
What this means for you: MS dyslexia screening (K-3) results must be considered in IEP. MS Empowerment Scholarship is a voucher — acceptance can waive IDEA rights. MS Parent Information Center (MS PIC) is the state PTI. MS Dyslexia Therapy is separate from IDEA SLD eligibility.
Mississippi special-education entitlement statute. Establishes FAPE for children with disabilities ages 3-20. Mississippi has a unique provision recognizing dyslexia-specific therapy services under a separate Mississippi dyslexia screening law (§ 37-173-15).
What this means for you: MS services through AGE 20. MS Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship: students with dyslexia diagnoses may receive a state-funded therapy scholarship (separate from IDEA). MS follows federal 60-calendar-day evaluation timeline. MS Parent Information Center is the state PTI.
Mississippi PTI providing free training, information, and support to families of children with disabilities statewide.
📞 (800) 721-7255
Office of Special Education
📞 (601) 359-3498
The official Mississippi complaint process — use it when the school isn't following the IEP or the law.
Mississippi protection & advocacy organization — legal advocacy for people with disabilities.
📞 (601) 968-0600
In Mississippi: 60 calendar days from receipt of parental consent to complete evaluation and determine eligibility.. (Context: federal law sets a default of 60 calendar days from parental consent — 34 CFR § 300.301(c) — and allows each state to set its own timeframe. Mississippi's rule is the one that applies.)
Mississippi does not specify a separate response timeline beyond the federal requirement. Child Find referrals must be forwarded within 7 calendar days.
Written complaint filed with MDE. Must include specific allegations and supporting facts. — Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Special Education. Time limit: Violation must have occurred within 1 year of filing date. Resolution: 60 calendar days from receipt of complaint.
Yes. Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center (MSPTI) is Mississippi's federally funded Parent Training and Information center — free help for families — (800) 721-7255.
Ask Know Your Rights any Mississippi IEP question in plain language, free. And before the school year starts, run the free Fall IEP Audit — it grades last spring's IEP so you know exactly what to push on.
Ask Know Your Rights → Run the Free Fall AuditShort, practical, from a mom who's been in that chair — a script to use, a right to know, a deadline to watch. No spam, never sold, unsubscribe anytime.