LAUSD Special Education: A Parent's Guide to IEPs and Services (2026–2027)
If you've just started to wonder whether your child needs extra support at school, take a deep breath. You're not behind, you're not overreacting, and you're definitely not alone. LAUSD special education serves families across Los Angeles every day, and once you know who to call, what to put in writing and which deadlines the district has to follow, the whole process feels a lot less like a maze and a lot more like a map.
This parent's guide to special education in LAUSD for 2026–2027 puts the practical stuff in one place: verified phone numbers, a sample letter to request an assessment, California's legal timelines in plain English, IEP vs. 504 basics and every LA County regional center for babies and toddlers. Grab a coffee and let's walk through it together.
Key Takeaways
Start here: LAUSD's School and Family Support Services line is 213-241-6701, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Put it in writing: All requests for a special education evaluation must be in writing, sent to your child's school of residence.
Timelines: The district has 15 days to send an assessment plan, you have at least 15 days to decide, and the IEP is due within 60 days of your written consent.
Under age 3: Babies and toddlers are served through California's Early Start program at one of seven LA County regional centers, with no cost for evaluation and service coordination.
Ages 3 to 5: LAUSD's Early Childhood Special Education team (213-241-4713) assesses preschoolers, even those not enrolled in an LAUSD program.
Recording IEPs: California lets parents audio record an IEP meeting with at least 24 hours' notice.
Free help: Family Empowerment Centers, TASK, Disability Rights California and others offer free support to LA families.
Who to Call: LAUSD Special Education Phone Numbers
LAUSD's Division of Special Education is headquartered at 333 S. Beaudry Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90017. Not sure where to start? Start with the parent help line. Every number is on the official DSE Contact Us page.
School and Family Support Services (parent help line): 213-241-6701, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. TTY 213-241-2511. Fax 877-339-2684.
LAUSD Family Hotline: (213) 443-1300.
LAUSD main district line: (213) 241-1000.
Early Childhood Special Education (ages 3–5): 213-241-4713.
Related Services (speech, adapted PE, assistive tech, low incidence): 213-241-6200.
Psychological Services: 213-241-8303.
Transition Services: 213-241-8050.
Parentally Placed Private Schools Office: 213-241-8101.
Due Process office: 213-241-6718.
Virtual Academy and Educational Options: 213-241-3759.
LAUSD also has four Regional Special Education Offices; the parent help line can tell you which is yours.
East: 323-224-3300, 2151 N. Soto St., Los Angeles, CA 90032.
North: 818-758-1007, 6621 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406.
South: 310-354-3431, 1208 Magnolia Ave., Gardena, CA 90247.
West: 310-235-3700, 11380 W. Graham Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90064.
Insider tip: LAUSD's Parent Resources page has free guides worth downloading, including "The IEP and You," "The ITP and You" (all about transition plans), a Diploma Parent Guide and a visual guide to the IEP document itself.
How to Request a Special Education Assessment in LAUSD
Here's the single most important thing to know: according to LAUSD's Child Find page, all requests for a special education evaluation must be in writing. If writing a request is hard for you, school staff can help. A written, dated request matters because it's what starts the legal clock on the district's timeline.
Where you send it depends on your child's situation:
LAUSD students (TK and up): Send your written request to the principal of your child's public school of residence.
Charter school students: Send it to the charter school.
Private school students: Send it to your district of residence. The Parentally Placed Private Schools Office (213-241-8101) can help.
Younger children: From birth to 2 years 10 months, start with your regional center (see the Early Start section below). Starting at 2 years 10 months, contact LAUSD's Early Childhood Special Education team.
LAUSD recommends a Student Support and Progress Team (SSPT) meeting before an assessment plan is developed. An SSPT is a team meeting at school to talk through your child's needs and supports. You're welcome to take part in one, and you can still send your written assessment request at any time. LAUSD's Child Find obligation covers children from birth to age 22.
A Simple Sample Assessment Request Letter
No fancy legal language needed. Copy this sample, fill in the brackets, sign it and keep a copy.
[Date]
To: [Principal's Name], Principal, [School Name]
Dear [Principal's Name],
I am the parent of [Child's Full Name], date of birth [DOB], who is in [grade] at [School Name]. I am writing to request a special education assessment for my child in all areas of suspected disability.
I am concerned about [briefly describe what you're seeing, for example: difficulty reading grade-level text, trouble focusing in class, speech that is hard to understand, or frequent frustration with homework]. These concerns have affected [describe the impact, such as grades, friendships or behavior].
Please send me a proposed assessment plan so I can review it and give my consent. I understand California law requires the district to provide an assessment plan within 15 days of receiving this written request. Thank you, and I look forward to working with the team to support my child.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Phone number and email]
Insider tip: write down the date you hand-deliver or email the letter, and keep proof that it was received. That one little note can save you a lot of back-and-forth later.
California Special Education Timelines Every Parent Should Know
California's Education Code sets the deadlines, and they're the same whether you're in Boyle Heights or the Valley. Here are the big ones, drawn from Education Code section 56043, section 56321 and section 56344.
15 days for the assessment plan: The district must give you a proposed assessment plan within 15 calendar days of your written referral.
15 days for you to decide: You have at least 15 calendar days after receiving the plan to decide whether to consent. The assessment can begin as soon as you sign.
60 days to the IEP: Eligibility must be determined and the IEP meeting held within 60 days of the district receiving your written consent.
School breaks don't count: Days between school sessions and school vacation days beyond five schooldays don't count toward the 15- and 60-day clocks. Deadlines can be extended only if you agree in writing.
End-of-year referrals: If you make a referral 10 or fewer days before the school year ends, the assessment plan is due within 10 days after the next school year starts. If the referral is 30 days or less before the end of the year, the IEP is due within 30 days after the next school year begins.
IEP meeting on request: If you request an IEP meeting in writing, it must be held within 30 calendar days.
Records within 5 business days: You can get complete copies of your child's school records within five business days of your request.
Annual and three-year reviews: The IEP is reviewed at least once a year, and your child is reassessed at least every three years (and no more than once a year unless you and the district agree).
Insider tip: the day you send your letter, count forward on a calendar so you can follow up kindly and confidently if anything slips.
IEP vs. 504 Plan: What's the Difference?
The short answer: an IEP changes how your child is taught, while a 504 plan changes how your child accesses learning.
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) falls under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To qualify, a child needs a disability in one of 13 categories and must need special education because of it. An IEP provides specialized instruction and related services, includes measurable annual goals and is reviewed at least once a year.
A 504 plan comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is a civil rights law. It covers any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, and it provides accommodations in general education, like extra time on tests. A 504 plan doesn't require annual goals. Not sure which fits? Ask the school team to talk through both with you.
The 13 Eligibility Categories for an IEP
Federal law (34 CFR § 300.8) lists the disability categories that can qualify a child for special education. Remember, a child must have one of these disabilities and also need special education because of it.
Autism
Deaf-blindness
Deafness
Emotional disturbance
Hearing impairment
Intellectual disability
Multiple disabilities
Orthopedic impairment
Other health impairment (OHI), which often covers ADHD
Specific learning disability (SLD), such as dyslexia
Speech or language impairment
Traumatic brain injury
Visual impairment, including blindness
Federal rules also allow states to use the term "developmental delay" for children ages 3 to 9, so ask your team how it applies if your child is young.
Special Education Services: What Your Child Might Receive
Alongside specialized instruction, California offers related services called "designated instruction and services," or DIS, under Education Code section 56363. Depending on your child's needs, these can include:
Language and speech services, and audiology
Physical and occupational therapy
Adapted physical education
Counseling and guidance, psychological services and social worker services
Parent counseling and training
Health and nursing services
Vision services, and orientation and mobility
Home or hospital instruction
Vocational education and career development, and specialized driver training
Recreation, interpreting, and low-incidence services like readers and transcribers
You'll also hear placement acronyms. LAUSD's own pages refer to programs like Moderate/Severe Programs, Intensive Diagnostic Educational Centers and LRE Programs, and you may hear common California terms like RSP or SDC. Our best advice? Whenever the team proposes a program or placement, ask them to explain exactly what it would look like for your child: where they'd spend their day, with whom, and how it connects to their goals.
Birth to 3: Early Start and LA County Regional Centers
If your baby or toddler isn't hitting milestones, you don't have to wait for preschool. California's Early Start program serves children from birth to 36 months who have a delay of at least 25% in one or more areas, an established risk condition, or a high risk of delay. Anyone can make a referral, including parents, doctors and family members.
Here's what happens next: within 45 days, the regional center or school district assigns a service coordinator, gets your consent, completes the evaluations and, if your child is eligible, writes an IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan). There's no cost for evaluation, assessment and service coordination. One important exception: children whose only need is a vision, hearing or severe orthopedic impairment are served by the school district, not the regional center. You can also call the state Early Start line at 800-515-BABY (800-515-2229).
Los Angeles County has seven regional centers, and the one that serves you depends on your home address. Boundaries follow health districts and some cities are split between centers, so confirm yours with the DDS regional center listing before you call.
1000 S. Fremont Ave. Alhambra, CA 91803 Main: 626-299-4700 | Early Start intake: (626) 299-4777
ELARC serves families in the Alhambra, East LA, Northeast and Whittier health districts. For extra support, the Eastern LA Family Resource Center can be reached at 626-300-9171.
3303 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90010 Main: 213-383-1300 | Early Start intake: (213) 252-8610
Lanterman serves the Glendale, Hollywood/Wilshire, Central LA and Pasadena areas. You can also email referrals@lanterman.org, and Lanterman says it will call back within 24 hours. Its Koch-Young Family Resource Center is at 213-252-5600.
Torrance campus: 21309 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance Long Beach office: 1155 E. San Antonio Dr., Long Beach Main: 310-543-0100 | Early Start intake: (310) 543-7927
Harbor serves the Bellflower, Harbor, Long Beach and Torrance health districts. Its Family Resource Center has two lines: 310-543-0104 in Torrance and 310-543-0105 in Long Beach. Heads-up: you may see a different number for Harbor floating around online, so use the 310-543-0100 office line listed here.
9200 Oakdale Ave., Suite 100 Chatsworth, CA 91311 Main and Early Start intake: (818) 778-1900
NLACRC covers the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. It also has a Santa Clarita office at (661) 775-8450 and a Lancaster office at (661) 945-6761. Be sure to dial 778, since a different version of this number appears on some websites.
75 Rancho Camino Dr. Pomona, CA 91766 Main and Early Start intake: (909) 620-7722
SGPRC serves a long list of San Gabriel Valley and Pomona Valley communities, including Altadena, Arcadia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Claremont, Covina, Diamond Bar, Duarte, El Monte, Glendora, La Verne, Monrovia, Pomona, San Dimas, Sierra Madre, Walnut and West Covina. A few cities, like Pasadena, Pomona, Temple City and Whittier, are split between centers, so check by address. The nearby Parents' Place Family Resource and Empowerment Center (see below) offers help in several languages.
2500 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Main: 213-744-7000 | Early Start intake: ext. 3226
SCLARC serves South LA, Watts, Leimert Park, Florence-Firestone, West Adams, Bell, Bell Gardens, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, South Gate, North Carson, Gardena and Paramount. You can also email earlystartintake@sclarc.org or use the SCLARC online intake form.
Main: 310-258-4000 | Early Start intake: 310-258-4096
Westside serves Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Century City, Culver City, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Malibu, Mar Vista, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, Santa Monica, Venice and Westwood. You can also email intakeunderage3@westsiderc.org. Call ahead to confirm which office location to visit.
Ages 3 to 5: LAUSD Early Childhood Special Education
Once your child turns 3, services shift from an IFSP to an IEP, and LAUSD's Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) team takes the lead. ECSE offers intake and assessment for preschool-age children who are not enrolled in an LAUSD program, and families, physicians or early learning providers can make a referral.
Preschool services come in several forms, including a PreK Itinerant Teacher (PKIT) who supports children in general education preschools and TK, specialized preschool programs that range from inclusive to self-contained, services in Head Start classrooms, collaborative classes with state preschool and early education centers, and home instruction with a medical referral. Reach ECSE at 333 S. Beaudry Ave., 17th Floor, by phone at 213-241-4713 or by email at ECSE@lausd.net. For universal TK and preschool enrollment, visit LAUSD Early Childhood Education.
Join the Conversation: LAUSD's Community Advisory Committee
Want a voice in the bigger picture? LAUSD's Community Advisory Committee (CAC) advises the Board, the SELPA Director and the Superintendent on the district's special education local plan, and it advocates for special education programs. It's required under California's Education Code.
The CAC meets on Wednesdays, and the 2026–27 meeting calendar is posted on its page. Materials are bilingual in English and Spanish, and past meetings are recorded, so you can catch up after bedtime. If you need an accommodation to participate, contact the Office of Student, Family and Community Engagement at 213-481-3350 at least 24 hours before the meeting.
When You Disagree: Dispute Resolution, Mediation and Due Process
Even caring IEP teams don't always see eye to eye with parents, and you have options when that happens. LAUSD lists three paths in its Alternate Dispute Resolution brochure on the Parent Resources page: Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR), Mediation Only through the state, and Due Process Hearings. LAUSD's Due Process office is at 213-241-6718.
Mediation and due process are handled by the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) Special Education Division, a neutral state agency. Parents can request mediation only, or a due process hearing plus mediation, using the OAH student request for due process and mediation or the mediation-only request form. OAH's main number is 916-263-0880, and its LA office is at 355 S. Grand Ave., Suite 2200. OAH doesn't give legal advice, but it keeps a list of low- and no-cost attorneys and advocates.
A few timelines from California's Education Code worth knowing:
Mediation: Scheduled within 15 calendar days and completed within 30.
Due process hearing: Completed within 45 calendar days of the request.
Appealing a hearing decision: Within 90 days.
State complaint to the California Department of Education: Investigated within 60 days, and it must involve a violation that happened no more than one year before filing.
Due process time limit: Generally two years, as explained in Disability Rights California's Special Education Rights and Responsibilities manual.
You can also call the CDE Special Education Constituent Support line at 800-926-0648 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) or email SEDCO@cde.ca.gov. For a full overview of your rights, see the CDE Notice of Procedural Safeguards.
Free Help for LA Special Education Families
You don't have to do this solo. These organizations offer free support and trainings to LA County families. Find more on the CDE's parent organizations page.
Family Focus Resource and Empowerment Center (CSUN, Northridge): 818-677-5575, family.focus@csun.edu. Serves the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley areas.
McClaney Family Resource Center (at SCLARC): 213-744-8882. Serves Compton, Downey, Lynwood, Paramount and nearby LAUSD ZIP codes.
Partnerships Family Empowerment Center (Alhambra): 626-300-9171, info@elafrc.net.
Westside Family Resource and Empowerment Center (Culver City): 310-258-4063, family@westsiderc.org.
[TASK (Team of Advocates for Special Kids)](https://www.taskca.org): 626-300-1043, AlhambraOffice@taskca.org. TASK is the federal Parent Training and Information Center for LA County.
[Parents' Place Family Resource and Empowerment Center](http://www.parentsplacefrc.com/) (West Covina): 626-919-1091, empower@parentsplacefrc.com. Offers IEP and IFSP trainings and help in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Vietnamese.
Fiesta Educativa (http://www.fiestaeducativa.org): 323-221-6696. A Community Parent Resource Center for Latino families, working alongside the Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled (626-600-6538).
Disability Rights California (https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/get-help): Intake 1-800-776-5746, TTY 1-800-719-5798, open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed Wednesdays). Its free SERR manual is a fantastic reference.
Learning Rights Law Center (https://www.learningrights.org): 205 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 489-4030, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Provides education advocacy and legal representation for low-income K–12 families in LA County.
Record-Keeping Tips That Make Every IEP Easier
Teachers change and staff move schools, but you're the constant. A little organization makes you a powerful advocate.
Keep a binder (or a folder on your phone): Store every assessment, IEP, progress report, email and letter in date order.
Put requests in writing and date them: Whether it's an assessment, an IEP meeting or a records request, written requests start the legal timelines.
Request records before big meetings: Schools must provide copies within five business days. LAUSD's Custodian of Records accepts requests by mail at 333 S. Beaudry Ave., 18th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017, or by fax at (213) 241-2417.
Use the Parent Portal: You can view your child's IEP in the LAUSD Parent Portal.
Ask for a translated IEP: Ask the IEP team or send a written request to the school administrator, and LAUSD says it must provide the written translation within 30 days of your request.
Recording Your IEP Meeting and Other Meeting Tips
Did you know you can audio record your child's IEP meeting? Under Education Code section 56341.1, parents may record the meeting as long as they notify the team at least 24 hours before. A quick email to the case manager or principal does the trick, and a recording lets you focus on the conversation instead of scribbling.
A few more tips: bring a trusted support person, like a partner, friend or advocate, to listen and take notes, plus a short list of your top concerns and your child's strengths (yes, both!). And if you'd like more time to think things over, ask the team whether you can take the IEP home to review before you sign. Free IEP trainings from the LAUSD Parent Workshop Library, TASK and the Family Empowerment Centers can help you feel ready before the big day.
Please note: This guide is general information for families, not legal advice. Laws, phone numbers and district procedures can change, so always confirm with LAUSD, the California Department of Education or a qualified advocate or attorney for advice about your child's specific situation.
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The Takeaway
Special education can feel overwhelming at first, but you've got more power, and more help, than you might think. Put every request in writing, know your timelines (15 days, 15 days, 60 days), and keep 213-241-6701 saved in your phone. For babies and toddlers, call your regional center; for preschoolers, call LAUSD's ECSE team.
Most of all, trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone, and LAUSD special education is designed to bring your knowledge together with the school's expertise. Lean on the free parent organizations, connect with other families through the CAC, and take it one step at a time. You've absolutely got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request an IEP evaluation in LAUSD?
Send a written, dated request for a special education assessment to the principal of your child's public school of residence, and keep a copy. LAUSD requires all evaluation requests to be in writing, and staff can help if you're unable to write one. Charter families send it to the charter school.
How long does LAUSD have to complete a special education assessment?
The district has 15 calendar days from your written request to send a proposed assessment plan, and you have at least 15 days to decide. Once you sign, the IEP meeting must be held within 60 days of the district receiving your consent. School vacation days beyond five schooldays don't count toward those clocks.
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan in California?
An IEP falls under the federal IDEA and provides specialized instruction, related services and measurable annual goals for students in one of 13 disability categories who need special education. A 504 plan comes from a federal civil rights law and provides accommodations, like extra test time, for students whose impairment substantially limits a major life activity.
Which regional center serves my child in Los Angeles?
It depends on your home address, since LA County's seven regional centers follow health district boundaries. The centers are Eastern LA, Frank D. Lanterman, Harbor, North LA County, San Gabriel/Pomona, South Central LA and Westside. Confirm yours with the DDS regional center listing, since some cities are split between centers.
Can I record my child's IEP meeting in California?
Yes. California Education Code section 56341.1 allows parents to audio record an IEP meeting if they notify the team at least 24 hours in advance.
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