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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?

Related Topic Decoders

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IEP Meeting Preparation
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Decoder
IEP Assessments
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IEP-Related Services
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Strength-Based IEP Goals
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After the IEP
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Preschool IEP
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IEP Basics

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What Is an IEP? IEP 101
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Key Parts of an IEP
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Who Qualifies for an IEP? - IEP Eligibility Categories
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Common Special Education Acronyms
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IEP Timelines
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Types of IEPs

IEP Meeting Prep

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How to Request an IEP Meeting
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The Ultimate Checklist for IEP Prep
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IEP Meeting Tips for Parents

Related Parent Questions

Parent Question
Which disabilities qualify for special education?
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.
Parent Question
Does the IEP start when I sign it?
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.
Parent Question
How often can I ask for an IEP meeting?
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.
Parent Question
How long before the IEP meeting should I be notified?
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.
Parent Question
How often do IEP meetings occur?
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.
Parent Question
What are the key parts of an IEP?
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).

Related Video Clips

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The IEP (Individualized Education Plan) Acronyms You Need to Know
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How to Best Prepare for Your IEP Meeting
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What to Know About Parent Rights in an IEP
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The Basics of Assessments
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Writing IEP Goals
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Creating A Vision Statement & Using It In Your Child’s IEP
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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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