Colorado Special Needs Resources

Colorado identifies 13 disability categories for special education eligibility. The most common are specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, autism, and emotional disturbance. But having a disability alone doesn't qualify a child—the disability has to adversely affect their educational performance.

Evaluation timelines in Colorado are strict. Once you consent to evaluation, the school has 60 days to complete assessments and hold a meeting to discuss results. If you request an evaluation and the school refuses, they must explain why in writing within that same 60-day period.

Colorado uses a Response to Intervention (RTI) approach before referring some students for special education. This means trying research-based interventions in the regular classroom first to see if targeted help is enough. RTI isn't a delay tactic—if you believe your child needs special education, you can request an evaluation at any time, regardless of where they are in the RTI process.

The special education process in Colorado begins when someone refers a child for evaluation—usually a parent or teacher. Once the school gets your written consent, they have 60 days to complete the evaluation and hold a meeting to review the results and determine eligibility. This 60-day timeline doesn't include times when school is not in session for more than five consecutive school days, so evaluations that start in late spring might not finish until fall.

If your child qualifies for special education, Colorado requires the IEP team to develop a plan within 30 days of the eligibility determination. The IEP must include measurable annual goals, and for students in third grade or higher who take state assessments, the goals should align with Colorado Academic Standards when appropriate. The IEP should also explain what accommodations or modifications your child needs to progress toward their goals and participate in general education. Colorado emphasizes that special education is not a place—it's a service. Your child should be educated with nondisabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

Colorado has something called the Results-Based IEP, which focuses on what your child can achieve rather than just what services they'll receive. The idea is to look forward to outcomes, not just check boxes about minutes of service. Colorado also has programs like the Extended Services Rate that can provide additional funding for students with significant needs. If you're feeling lost in the process, the PEAK Parent Center is an excellent resource—they offer workshops, one-on-one assistance, and even help preparing for IEP meetings.