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Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for Students with Disabilities

What is an IEP?

IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. An IEP is a legal, written document that outlines special education instructions for a qualifying student. It lists supports, goals and services that the student needs to be successful in the classroom.

An IEP is protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), which is the nation’s special education law. To be eligible for an IEP, a student must have one or more of the conditions specified in the law, AND the student’s diagnosis interferes with their ability to learn.

What are the conditions listed under IDEA?

  • Autism (ASD)
  • Deaf-Blindness (combination of both)
  • Deafness
  • Emotional disturbance (wide range of mental health diagnoses)
  • Hearing impairment
  •  Intellectual disabilities; Multiple Disabilities; Orthopedic Impairment; Other Health Impairment (OHI); Specific Learning Disability; Speech and Language Impairment; Traumatic Brain Injury; Visual Impairment

*Just because a child has a mental and/or medical diagnosis, does not necessarily mean they qualify for an IEP.

What are the steps to qualify my child for an IEP?

  1. Request a free psycho-education evaluation with your child’s school by contacting the school principal. This letter should include the child’s name, reason for request, what you’re requesting, and what areas your child is struggling in.
  2. The school has 30 school calendar days to respond to the request and 60 school calendar days to complete the evaluation.

Things you could do if your child is found ineligible for an IEP

  1. Work with the school to understand the school’s reason.
  2. Consider a 504 Plan.
  3. Ask about extra help for your child.
  4. Get help outside of the school.
  5. Explore an independent education evaluation.
  6. Plan for a new evaluation with your child’s school.
  • Helpful tips and reminders
  • IEPs do not expire.
  • IEPs transfer from one school to another if there is a change in school placement (except private schools).
  • Always come prepared for your child’s IEP meetings.
  • Always keep a copy of the IEP on hand and readily available.
  • Maintain consistent communication with your child’s teachers.
  • Private schools do not offer IEPs.
  • IEPs are not offered in college. However, eligible students may still receive accommodations through college disability services.
  • An IEP is updated annually. However, it can be updated throughout the academic school year, if needed.
  • IDEA covers public and charter school students from birth until graduation or the age 22.