How do I start an IEP review?

Contact your child’s teacher and case manager, submit a written request for an IEP meeting, and use the PSD referral/evaluation forms if you seek a new evaluation.

Can I appeal a funding decision?

You can request district-level procedural safeguards and, if unresolved, file a due process complaint or a state complaint with CDE; see the district and state dispute-resolution pages for forms and steps.

Are there fees to file a complaint?

The district and state complaint pages do not list filing fees; the cited pages state submission procedures but do not specify fees.

IEP & Funding Review Requests in Fort Collins

Education Colorado 4 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026

In Fort Collins, Colorado families can request an individual education program (IEP) review or a funding/placement review through the local district and state dispute processes. This guide explains practical steps for parents and guardians in Poudre School District, how to use written requests, when to escalate to formal dispute resolution, and where to find official forms and contacts. Read the sections below for actionable steps, deadlines, and official links to district and state resources.

Overview of Who Handles IEP and Funding Reviews

IEP eligibility, content, and funding decisions in Fort Collins are managed by the student services and special education offices of Poudre School District (PSD). If you cannot resolve concerns at the school level, the district offers procedural safeguards and dispute-resolution options; the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) handles state-level complaints and monitors compliance.

For district procedures and contact details see the PSD Special Education page Poudre School District Special Education^[1]. For state dispute resolution and complaint filing see the Colorado Department of Education special education dispute resolution page CDE Dispute Resolution^[2]. For district forms and parent rights see PSD forms and safeguards PSD Special Education Forms^[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Education disputes over IEPs and funding are typically remedial and administrative rather than criminal; monetary fines for parents are not a standard enforcement mechanism for special-education disputes. Specific civil or administrative penalties related to noncompliance are governed by federal IDEA and state procedures; exact penalty amounts or fines are not specified on the cited district or state pages referenced here.

Enforcer: Poudre School District Student Services / Special Education Office; district-level complaints begin with the school or district contact listed on PSD pages.
Start with the child’s case manager or the special education office to resolve issues informally.
State oversight and formal complaints: Colorado Department of Education handles state complaints and monitors corrective action; remedies are administrative rather than criminal.
Fines/monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: informal meeting → district-level procedural safeguards → state complaint or due process hearing; exact timelines for escalation are not specified on the cited district pages and parties should consult the procedural safeguards document linked below.
Non-monetary sanctions/remedies: orders to provide compensatory services, modifications to IEPs, corrective action plans, or administrative directives from CDE or an impartial hearing officer.

Applications & Forms

The district publishes special-education forms and the parents’ procedural safeguards online. Fees are generally not charged for filing a complaint with the district or state; specific submission instructions and any required form names appear on the linked PSD and CDE pages.

Request for Special Education Evaluation / Referral forms — see PSD Special Education Forms. Fee: not specified on the cited page.
Due Process Complaint forms and instructions — see PSD and CDE dispute-resolution pages linked above. Deadline/filing fee: not specified on the cited page.
Contact for assistance — PSD Special Education Office contact information is published on the PSD site.

How to Prepare and Request a Review

Follow clear, documented steps when requesting an IEP change or a funding review to preserve rights and create a record of attempts to resolve the matter:

Document concerns in writing to the teacher and case manager, include specific examples and requested changes.
Request an IEP meeting in writing (email or certified mail) so the district records your request.
Gather supporting records: evaluations, notes, medical or therapy reports, and previous IEPs.
If the district denies or cannot resolve, ask about mediation, an impartial due process hearing, or file a state complaint with CDE.

Keep copies of all communications and attach dated documentation to any formal complaint.

FAQ

How do I start an IEP review?: Contact your child’s teacher and case manager, submit a written request for an IEP meeting, and use the PSD referral/evaluation forms if you seek a new evaluation.
Can I appeal a funding decision?: You can request district-level procedural safeguards and, if unresolved, file a due process complaint or a state complaint with CDE; see the district and state dispute-resolution pages for forms and steps.
Are there fees to file a complaint?: The district and state complaint pages do not list filing fees; the cited pages state submission procedures but do not specify fees.

How-To

Contact the teacher and the student’s special education case manager to discuss concerns and request an IEP meeting.
Submit a written request for evaluation or IEP meeting via email or certified mail and retain a copy for your records.
Attend the IEP meeting, present evidence, request specific services or funding changes, and ask for written meeting notes.
If unresolved, request mediation or file a due process complaint with PSD; if still unresolved, file a state complaint with the Colorado Department of Education.

Key Takeaways

Start with the school and document every request in writing.
Use PSD forms and procedural safeguards to preserve rights and meet filing requirements.
Escalate to CDE dispute resolution if the district cannot resolve the issue.