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Undivided: Special Education Services and Individualized Education Programs
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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?

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Educational Accommodations, Modifications, and Curriculum
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Educational Inclusion
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Educational Placement
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Educational Transitions
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IEP: Individualized Education Program
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Learning At Home
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Top Articles About Education and IEPs

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IEP 101: What Is an IEP?
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How to Make Sure Your IEP Is Being Followed (and What to Do If It Isn’t)
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What Are Related Services in an IEP?
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How to Review Your IEP Before Signing
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What You Need to Know About Accommodations and Modifications
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Back-to-School Toolkit: What You Need for Day 1
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Paraeducators 101
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Individualized Health Plan (IHP)
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Getting a Child with Autism the School Supports They Need

Top Parent Questions

Parent Question
How do I know whether my child has enough services in their IEP?
When it comes to what the law says, a student must make “meaningful progress” in meeting their IEP goals.
Parent Question
What is alternate curriculum?
Alternate curriculum should not mean that the student has alternate content standards under IDEA. All instruction should start from the same content standards, regardless of the student’s disabilities, but extensive modifications might prevent a student from qualifying for a diploma.
Parent Question
How do I request a draft of the IEP?
Write to the program specialist (or the administrator in charge of the IEP), the teacher, and/or the case worker to request a draft of the IEP at least two weeks in advance of the meeting; you can request that the district provide the draft no less than three days before the meeting.

Top Video Clips

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Best Prep for IEP Meetings
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Tips For Parents When Their Kids With Disabilities Get New Teachers
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Benefits Of Having A Child With Disabilities In A General Education Setting
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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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