When a child receives special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), he or she must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is a written document listing, among other things, the special educational services that the child will receive. The IEP is developed by a team that includes the child’s parents and school staff.
The IEP is an extremely important document in the educational lives of students with disabilities receiving special education under IDEA. The resources we’ve listed below will help you learn more about IEPs—what the law requires, what information a typical IEP contains, how IEPs are developed, and so on.
IEP Resources
The Short-and-Sweet IEP Overview
Find out fast what an IEP is, who writes it, and what it contains.
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Developing Your Child’s IEP
Complete overview that explains the basics of the special education process and gives you information on how to be an effective partner with your child’s school.
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Contents of the IEP
A child’s IEP, by law, must contain specific information, including the special education and related services that he or she will receive. But there’s so much more in an IEP! Find out in detail.
Understanding the PLAAFP
A comprehensive, well-written Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance statement, or PLAAFP, is the foundation of your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and is used to determine appropriate goals, services, supports, accommodations, and placement.
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The IEP Team | ARD Committee
Your child’s IEP is developed by a team of individuals that includes key school staff and you, the parent(s) or guardian(s). Find out who’s required by law to serve on the team and what they might contribute to developing the IEP.
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When the ARD Committee (IEP Team) Meets
What goes on at an ARD meeting? What does IDEA require? What types of considerations, discussions, and decisions must be made by the ARD committee?
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Special Education Evaluation Timelines
If you think your child may have a disability and needs special education or related services to be involved in and make progress in school, then an evaluation for special education eligibility may be appropriate. As a parent or guardian, you have the right to request that your child’s school conduct an evaluation to determine if your child is eligible to receive special education services at any time. This evaluation is known as Full, Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE).
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Addressing Bullying Through the IEP
Research shows that kids with disabilities are more likely to be the target of bullying. Unfortunately, many parents are being told by their school that bullying can’t be addressed through their child’s IEP. Here are a few practical tips to follow as you tackle the problem.
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Accessible Materials
Regardless of whether or not a student with learning disabilities, dyslexia or any other disability is eligible for NIMAS-derived materials, the school still has the responsibility for providing accessible versions of materials to any student the IEP team determines needs them.
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