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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

Event Recap

FAPE

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Prepping for Triennial IEPs

Event Recap

FAPE

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Unite and Conquer with Parent Michelle Malewitz and Undivided Navigator Kelly Hatfield

Article

IEP

+1more

How to Review Your IEP Before Signing

Standards-Based IEP Goals

Event Recap

FAPE

+1more

Unite and Conquer: Education Advocate Lisa Carey's IEP Strategies

Event Recap

FAPE

+1more

Strength-Based IEPs with Dr. Caitlin Solone

Video

IEP

+1more

VIDEO: Undivided Learning with Dr. Sarah Pelangka: Back to School

Article

Advocacy

+3more

Extracurricular Rights 101

Tips for Creating Preschool IEP Goals

Article

IEP

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Common Binder Documents for Your First Preschool IEP

Article

IEP

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Drafting a Parental Concerns Letter for Your First Preschool IEP

Article

Advocacy

+2more

Creating a Vision Statement for Your Child

Article

Advocacy

+1more

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

Article

Advocacy

+1more

School’s Back! 5 Essentials for the First Week

Article

Accessibility

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Preschool Accommodations

Article

IEP

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Choosing a Preschool and Preparing for Your Child's First IEP

Article

Advocacy

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Making the Transition to High School with an IEP

Article

Accessibility

+3more

Making the Transition to Kindergarten with an IEP

Article

Accessibility

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Inclusive PE — It IS Possible (and Should Be)!

Article

FAPE

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List of Accommodations for IEPs and 504s

Article

FAPE

+2more

What Qualifies a Student for a 1:1 Aide or Other Paraeducator

Article

IEP

+1more

IEP Meeting Checklist for Parents

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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

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