After much research, a team of lawyers at Goodwin Procter LLP has generously put together a helpful guide to help families understand the IEP process as their loved ones head back to school: Individualized Education Program (IEP): Summary, Process and Practical Tips. This 26 page guide contains an IEP timeline and clearly lays out the steps to take throughout the IEP process. The guide also includes lots of tips, resources, and answers to FAQs.
To read the Goodwin Procter IEP Guide, go to this site:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/iep_guide.pdf?tr=y&auid=8840716