What it is
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a legal document that maps out the special-education services and supports a child will receive. It's required under the federal IDEA law for eligible students, and it's built by a team that includes you, the parent, as an equal member. The IEP guarantees a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to your child.
How it works
The IEP describes your child's current levels of performance, sets annual goals, and lists the special-education services, related services (like speech or occupational therapy), accommodations, and placement they'll receive — in the least restrictive environment (LRE) appropriate for them. It's reviewed at least annually and the child is re-evaluated at least every three years.
Who qualifies
A child qualifies for an IEP if they have a disability under one of IDEA's categories (such as a specific learning disability, autism, speech/language impairment, ADHD under “other health impairment,” and others) and need specialized instruction as a result. Eligibility runs from ages 3 to 21 (early intervention covers birth to 3 separately).
The process, step by step
- ReferralYou or the school requests an evaluation
- Evaluation & eligibilityA full evaluation determines whether your child qualifies
- IEP meetingThe team writes the plan — goals, services, accommodations, placement
- Services beginThe school delivers what the IEP promises
- Annual reviewThe team meets each year to update the plan (and re-evaluates every 3 years)
Your rights & protections
As a parent you're an equal member of the IEP team. You have the right to consent to (or refuse) evaluations and services, to see all records, to request a meeting any time, to bring people who know your child, and — if you disagree — to use procedural safeguards (an independent evaluation, mediation, a state complaint, or a due-process hearing). The school must give you a written copy of these safeguards.
What families can do
- Come preparedBring your notes, questions, and examples of your child's work
- Ask for goals you understandGoals should be specific and measurable
- Keep recordsSave every IEP, evaluation, and communication
- Bring supportYou can bring an advocate, another parent, or a specialist
- Follow upCheck that services are actually happening as written
Terms to know
- FAPEFree Appropriate Public Education — the core guarantee
- LRELeast Restrictive Environment — with peers as much as appropriate
- Present levels (PLAAFP)Where your child is now
- Related servicesTherapies and supports (speech, OT, PT, counseling)
- AccommodationsChanges in how your child learns/tests (not what they learn)
Frequently asked questions
- Who's on the IEP team?You, teachers, a special-education teacher, a district representative, someone who can interpret evaluations, and often your child.
- How often is it reviewed?At least once a year, with a full re-evaluation at least every three years.
- What if I disagree?You have procedural safeguards — an independent evaluation, mediation, a complaint, or a due-process hearing.
- Is an IEP the same as a 504 Plan?No — an IEP provides specialized instruction and services; a 504 Plan provides accommodations for access.
- Can I request an evaluation myself?Yes — you can request one in writing at any time.
Key facts
- WhatA legal, individualized special-education plan
- UnderIDEA (federal law)
- IncludesGoals, services, accommodations, placement (LRE)
- You areAn equal member of the team
- ReviewedYearly; re-evaluated every 3 years
Where to learn more
Learn more and know your rights: