What steps do I take to transfer school districts with an IEP?

1. Once your family has determined the school your child will be attending and initiated the registration process, it’s time to notify both your child’s new and current schools about the transfer. Your child’s current school may provide a form for you to complete, or you may have to submit a written letter detailing the move's timing.

2. Take the initiative to request your child’s school records. Once you’ve obtained them, take the time to carefully review these records, which contain your child’s grades, test scores, health records, and more. While many schools automatically forward these records to your child’s new school (and are legally allowed to do so without parental consent), it’s a good idea to request a review beforehand to double-check their accuracy.

3. Building a rapport with your new IEP team is a great way to ease the transition to your child's new school. Kickstart this process by introducing yourself to the new school's special education director and principal as soon as possible. In larger districts, you will more than likely be introducing yourself to a local administrator.

4. Prepare for and attend the IEP meeting. The new school is legally required to hold an IEP meeting within the first 30 days only if a student transfers to a new district or from out of state. During those 30 days, your child’s existing IEP remains effective until the new IEP is signed. It is a great idea to prepare a vision statement to introduce your child and your hopes and dreams for them.

5. Prepare your child for the transition to a new school.

6. Schedule a one-month IEP check-in. Having your 30-day IEP meeting is important to ensure a smooth transition. We suggest scheduling this meeting approximately four to six weeks after the first day at the new school.

Get more tips in our article Transferring School Districts with an IEP.