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IEP: Individualized Education Program

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Overview

An individualized education program or plan (IEP) outlines services that the school will provide, at no cost to the student's family, to ensure that the student has access to a quality education guaranteed by the law. Here's what you need to know about who's eligible, how to develop an IEP, progress reporting, strength-based goals, and much more.

What is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program outlines the services and supports that the school or 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) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IEP meeting is where you will meet with your school team and build a plan for your child’s special education goals and services, which — true to the “individualized” in its name — should be tailored to your child’s unique needs. The plan becomes a legal agreement between you and your school that must be followed.

Contents

Overview

What is an IEP?

How do I get my child assessed for special education services?

Who helps develop my child’s IEP?

When can I request an IEP meeting?

Why should I understand my rights as a parent of a child with an IEP?

Where can I get help with writing IEP goals?

IEP Basics

What Is an IEP? IEP 101

Key Parts of an IEP

Who Qualifies for an IEP? - IEP Eligibility Categories

Common Special Education Acronyms

IEP Timelines

Types of IEPs

IEP Meeting Prep

How to Request an IEP Meeting

The Ultimate Checklist for IEP Prep

IEP Meeting Tips for Parents

Latest Resources

Parent Question

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

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

What if the school refuses to assess my child?

Parent Question

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

Video Clip

What's the Worst Thing You've Heard in an IEP Meeting?

Video Clip

Understanding the Discrepancy Model for Identifying Learning Disabilities

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

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?

Parent Question

Who works on executive functioning IEP goals in high school?

Parent Question

What is a summary of performance?

Video Clip

Will the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Help Pay for College

Video Clip

What Does a Good Individualized Transition Plan (ITP) Goal Look Like

Video Clip

Preparing Kids with Disabilities for College Programs

Video Clip

How Parents Can Stay Involved in the IEP Process After Their Kids Turn 18

Video Clip

Keep Your Child at the Center of Transition Planning

Video Clip

What to Do if You Don't Receive Your Prior Written Notice

Parent Question

What do I do if my child needs a substitute aide?

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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.

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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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