Learning about IEPs. Understanding the IEP process. How exactly does the school come up with a special education program and create the actual plan for the IEP? Some parents are uncomfortable with the idea of an IEP.
It can help to remember that once the IEP is put into place, your child will be able to get help that can pave the way to success at school. IEPs are developed by a group of professionals at school. The scores show the specific areas your child struggles with. Having that information allows the IEP team to provide the individualized instruction and supports your child needs.
One of the biggest decisions the team makes when creating an IEP is what type of learning environment your child will be in. Schools are required to place students with IEPs in the least restrictive environment.
Most kids with IEPs spend the majority of their day in class with their peers. This is called an inclusion classroom , or a general education classroom that includes students who receive special education. Get an idea of how testing results can map to specific supports, in this case for kids with dyslexia. Discover the benefits of being in an inclusion classroom. There are many terms in an IEP and in the entire IEP process that will likely be new to you at the start of your journey.
See what an IEP includes. Explore this handy visual of the anatomy of an IEP. The IEP should be reviewed annually to update the goals and make sure the levels of service meet your child's needs. However, IEPs can be changed at any time on an as-needed basis.
If you think your child needs more, fewer, or different services, you can request a meeting and bring the team together to discuss your concerns. Specific timelines ensure that the development of an IEP moves from referral to providing services as quickly as possible. Be sure to ask about this timeframe and get a copy of your parents' rights when your child is referred.
These guidelines sometimes called procedural safeguards outline your rights as a parent to control what happens to your child during each step of the process. The parents' rights also describe how you can proceed if you disagree with any part of the CER or the IEP — mediation and hearings both are options.
You can get information about low-cost or free legal representation from the school district or, if your child is in Early Intervention for kids up to age 3 , through that program. Attorneys and paid advocates familiar with the IEP process will provide representation if you need it. You also may invite anyone who knows or works with your child whose input you feel would be helpful to join the IEP team.
Federally supported programs in each state support parent-to-parent information and training activities for parents of children with special needs. The Parent Training and Information Projects conduct workshops, publish newsletters, and answer questions by phone or by mail about parent-to-parent activities. Parents have the right to choose where their kids will be educated. This choice includes public or private elementary schools and secondary schools, including religious schools. It also includes charter schools and home schools.
However, it is important to understand that the rights of children with disabilities who are placed by their parents in private elementary schools and secondary schools are not the same as those of kids with disabilities who are enrolled in public schools or placed by public agencies in private schools when the public school is unable to provide a free appropriate public education FAPE. Two major differences that parents, teachers, other school staff, private school representatives, and the kids need to know about are:.
The IEP process is complex, but it's also an effective way to address how your child learns and functions. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to ask questions about the evaluation findings or the goals recommended by the team.
You know your child best and should play a central role in creating a learning plan tailored to his or her specific needs. Reviewed by: Steven J. Bachrach, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What's an IEP? Who Needs an IEP? Kids struggling in school may qualify for support services, allowing them to be taught in a special way, for reasons such as: learning disabilities attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD emotional disorders cognitive challenges autism hearing impairment visual impairment speech or language impairment developmental delay physical disabilities How Are Services Delivered?
IEP plans are typically reviewed once a year. Parents who believe their child's IEP needs to be changed can request a special meeting before the annual review, which may lead to an IEP being revised. By law, an IEP needs to contain the following: a current assessment of your child; annual goals; special services your child needs; mainstream classroom participation targets; and any testing plans. It will detail when and where your child will receive special services, a system for charting progress, and any transition support they might need when they age out of the public grade school system.
For a child who learns differently or has a disability, navigating just a single school day, much less an entire year, can be overwhelming. But a well-designed IEP can identify manageable goals that can reassure and motivate a child.
An IEP is an integral part of the special education process and should be written with care. If an IEP is required for your child, be sure you understand what it should include and why. Ask questions of the IEP team and don't be afraid to hold educators accountable for closely monitoring your child's progress and keeping you posted about it. In many ways, you captain the IEP process, and your attention to detail can be key to the plan's—and your child's—success.
Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Department of Education. A Guide to the Individualized Education Program.
Updated August 30, Reviewed September Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellFamily. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.
We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. The Special Education Process in 6 Steps. Current Skill Level. Annual Goals The IEP must contain information about your child's goals, which need to be updated at least once a year. Progress Tracking The IEP must explain exactly how progress toward your child's goals will be measured, whether it's regular testing or feedback reports from teachers.
Special Education Services The IEP must clearly describe the student's special education program and how it's been designed to suit their particular needs. Participation in Mainstream Classrooms This section ensures that supportive staff and faculty are doing all they can to keep your child in the "least restrictive environment" as possible.
Testing Adaptations The IEP must explain if your child will participate in state and local achievement tests that other kids at their school take. Transitional Goals and Services An IEP is designed to help your child succeed in the here and now, but also prepare them for the next phase of their education. How are IEP goals written?
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