IEP: Individualized Education Program

A child is eligible for an IEP if they meet the criteria for one of 13 eligibility categories and if they cannot make adequate progress in school without special education services. These 13 categories are defined by law.

The school must implement the IEP as soon as possible after receiving the parent consent to the IEP. The law doesn't specify exactly when other than as soon as possible.

A parent can request an IEP meeting at any time they feel it’s necessary. They may have follow-up questions from a previous meeting to discuss, or a more recent assessment may necessitate changes to the IEP.

The parent and all members of the IEP team have to be notified of the school’s proposed meeting date early enough to be able to realistically attend the meeting. There is no strict limit, however.

IEP meetings are required to be held annually, no longer than 12 months from the date of the last annual IEP. A parent can request an IEP meeting at any time they feel it’s necessary.

The key parts of an IEP are: progress reporting (PLOP), annual goals and short-term objectives, special education and related services, accommodations and modifications, extent of non-participation in general education, statewide assessments, and service delivery (offer of FAPE).