Understanding the IEP Process
An Individualized Education Plan or IEP is defined as a written plan that is designed to meet the unique needs of one child. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public school districts to develop an individualized plan for every child who qualifies as having one of the identified thirteen disabilities identified by IDEA as a qualifying condition for special education. The special education evaluation determines if a student is eligible for services and if so, what programs are appropriate.
There are five important steps to this process that every parent should understand: 3. Determining Eligibility 4. Writing the Individualized Education Plan 5. Understanding the IEP Meeting REMEMBER…as the parent, YOU are the expert on your child and consequently the best advocate for their educational success. At times, it may seem easier to turn things over to educators and specialists. But, you can’t just show up and hope for the best. Your knowledge and participation in this process is vital to your child receiving the best possible services.
There are also some things you can do to prepare yourself for the
meeting
and reduce your anxiety.
For most, the first step in the process is the
referral for an initial evaluation
so let's begin here. Or click on one of the links above to go directly to the section you'd like to learn more about.
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