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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

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?

Parent Question

How can I get my child a 1:1 aide at their private school?

Parent Question

How can my child get therapy through their school, like PT, OT, or speech therapy?

Parent Question

How can I prepare my child to transition to their new school?

Parent Question

What steps do I take to transfer school districts with an IEP?

Parent Question

When might a district grant me a permit to transfer schools?

Video Clip

How an Undivided Navigator Supported a Parent Through the IEP Process

Parent Question

How many SAI minutes should my child have in their IEP?

Article

What are Dynamic Assessments for IEPs?

Video Clip

Which Students Are Falling Through the Cracks—and Why?

Video Clip

Implementing Universal Design for Learning in Schools: Why It Takes Time

Video Clip

Tailoring Your Child's Education to Best Support Their Strengths and Needs

Video Clip

Rethinking Learning Approaches for Students with Disabilities

Parent Question

What do I do if my child's teacher is not providing 504 Plan accommodations?

Parent Question

How do I find a list of non-public schools (NPS) for my child?

Parent Question

Who works on executive functioning IEP goals in high school?

Parent Question

What is a summary of performance?

Parent Question

Can my child have an aide outside of the classroom?

Parent Question

Can the school take truancy measures even if we have a medical note?

Parent Question

How can I address refusal with my child's school?

Parent Question

How do I help my homeschooled child socialize when they don't like park days?

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Author

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

Each piece of content has been rigorously researched, edited, and vetted to bring you the latest and most up-to-date information. Learn more about our content and research process here.

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