General information and document preparation — not legal advice.
Special education by state
Special Education & IEP Help in Maryland
If your child has — or might need — an IEP in Maryland, this page puts the Maryland-specific rules into plain English: how long an evaluation can take, how Maryland rates on federal special-education oversight, the people who help for free, and exactly how to push back when something is wrong. Federal law (IDEA) is the floor everywhere; Maryland adds the details below.
How long does an IEP evaluation take in Maryland?
Maryland follows the federal 60-day rule: the initial evaluation must finish within 60 days after you sign consent (and 90 days from referral).
That matches the federal default of 60 calendar days.
Source: COMAR 13A.05.01.06A(1)
Maryland's federal IDEA rating
Maryland is currently rated “Meets requirements” — the U.S. Department of Education found that the state met federal special-education requirements in its most recent annual review. That is the top of four ratings — but it does not guarantee your own district is following the law.
Where to get free help in Maryland
Two places help Maryland families at no cost:
Parent Training & Information Center (free, federally funded)
Maryland special-education agency
How to file a special-education complaint in Maryland
File a signed, written complaint with MSDE's special education division about a violation in the past year. Call 410-767-7770 for the form.
Your rights everywhere (federal law)
These IDEA rights apply in Maryland and every state. Start here:
Understand your child's IEP — line by line
IEP Path decodes the plan into plain language, flags what's weak or missing, and writes the letters — in English and Spanish.