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Education and IEPs

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Overview

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act entitles children with disabilities to special education services. Parent participation is vital to ensure that a child receives all the services and supports they need to be successful. Here’s how you can get involved in your child’s education and ensure that they have access to the services and supports they need.

Who is eligible for an IEP, and what is it?

A child is eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if they meet the criteria for one of thirteen eligibility categories, and if they cannot make adequate progress in school without special education services.
An IEP outlines the services and supports that the school district will provide, at no cost to the student’s family, to ensure that the student has access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
A student must first receive an initial full assessment conducted by a school psychologist, special education teacher, and any additional related service providers that are relevant to the student’s disability. A full assessment must be done at least every three years, but a parent can request an assessment of their child at any time.

Contents

Overview

Who is eligible for an IEP, and what is it?

How do I prepare for the IEP meeting?

When should I follow up to make sure my child’s IEP is being implemented?

What should I do to help my child transition to a new school?

Why should I advocate for inclusion in my child’s IEP?

School Support for Kids with Disabilities

School Supports and IEP & 504 Accommodations for Autism

Supporting a Child with Down Syndrome at School

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) 101

IEP Basics

What Is an IEP? IEP 101

The Ultimate Checklist for IEP Prep

How to Make Sure Your IEP Is Being Followed (and What to Do If It Isn’t)

School-Based Therapies

Speech Therapy: What It Is and How It Works

What Is Occupational Therapy for Kids? - OT 101

Physical Therapy (PT) 101

Health and Safety at School

Bullying and Kids with Disabilities

Individualized Health Plan (IHP) in an IEP

Creating an Emergency Plan in the IEP

Back-to-School Resources

Back-to-School Toolkit: What You Need for Day 1

Introduce Your Child to New Teachers and Providers with an All About Me & IEP Summary

The Fall Check-In: Following Up with an IEP at the Beginning of the New School Year

Latest Resources

Parent Question

What if the school doesn't let me talk to my child's 1:1 aide?

Parent Question

If my child isn’t getting their IEP accommodations, should I call an IEP meeting?

Parent Question

What if my child's teacher doesn't want to fill out a daily log?

Article

14 Red Flags in the IEP – and What to Do about Them

Parent Question

What kind of diploma can my child get from a non-public school (NPS)?

Parent Question

How do I get a non-public school (NPS) placement for my child with an IEP?

Parent Question

What is an Individualized Service Plan (ISP)?

Parent Question

What kind of diploma can my child get from a private school?

Parent Question

Can I get the school district to reimburse me for private school tuition?

Parent Question

How can I get a private school placement for my child with an IEP?

Parent Question

What do I do if the school keeps sending absence letters when my child is out sick?

Parent Question

Can my child get a high school diploma without completing A-G requirements?

Parent Question

If the school only offers virtual therapy, will Medi-Cal pay for private therapy?

Video Clip

Why Staying Involved in Your Child’s Education and Using the Right Tools Makes a Difference

Article

How to Find Data about Your Child's School District — and Why

Parent Question

What are some example goals in the IEP for socialization?

Article

Top 5 Ways to Plan Ahead for the IEP and Keep Your Team Accountable

Parent Question

Can I pay for a private school or NPS with Self-Determination (SDP) funding?

Parent Question

What if the school refuses to assess my child?

Parent Question

Can I request a video recording of my child's schoolwork?

Parent Question

How many IEP goals should my child have?

Parent Question

What if I disagree with the school's IEP goals for my child?

Parent Question

Can an education advocate help me write IEP goals?

Parent Question

How do I request behavior training for my child's aide or teacher?

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Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes.

Reviewed by Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor

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