If you’re new to the world of special education, you may be wondering what an IEP is. IEP stands for Individualized Education Program, and it is a document that is created for each student who receives special education services. The IEP outlines the student’s goals, the services that will be provided, and how progress will be measured.
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Definition of IEP
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a document that’s developed for each public school student who is eligible for special education. The IEP is created through a team effort and reviewed at least once a year.
The IEP has specific information about your child’s:
-strengths and needs
-goals
-the special education services and supports that will be provided
Who is on the IEP team?
The IEP team is made up of people who know your child best and who can speak to his or her unique strengths and needs. The exact composition of the team will depend on your child’s individual situation, but it must include certain key members, such as:
-You, as the parent or guardian
-Your child’s teacher(s)
-A special education teacher or service provider
-A school administrator
-A school psychologist or other professionals, as needed
IEP goals
IEP goals are specific, measurable, short-term objectives that are designed to meet the student’s needs that result from their disability. These goals should be based on the student’s current level of functioning and should be achievable within a reasonable amount of time. An IEP must include a statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals, designed to:
-Meet the student’s needs that result from the student’s disability; and
-Enable the student to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum or, for a student with disabilities who is not participating in the general education curriculum, enable the student to make progress in appropriate activities
IEP review
Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services appropriate for the child’s needs. The IEP is created through a team process, developed by educators, parents, related service providers, and when appropriate, the student. It must be reviewed and revised at least annually.
The IDEA requires each public agency to establish and maintain procedures to ensure that: 1) all children with disabilities residing in the State between the ages of 3 and 21 years (or until they graduate with a regular diploma), regardless of the severity of their disabilities, and who are in need of special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated; 2) each child found to have a disability pursuant to these procedures receives an appropriate individualized education; 3) special education and related services are made available to each eligible child with a disability pursuant to an IEP; 4) children with disabilities enrolled in private schools by their parents on a unilateral basis receive equitable services;5) procedural safeguards are established to protect the rights of children with disabilities and their parents;6) each public agency provides coordination of all early intervention services in its area;7) dispute resolution procedures are available for resolving disagreements among parents, public agencies,and private school officials concerning any matters related to the identification, evaluation or educational placement of the child or provision of FAPE to him or her;8) confidentiality of information concerning children with disabilities is maintained consistent with federal and state law.
IEP amendments
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that guarantees all children with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible. Part of the IDEA is the Individualized Education Program, or IEP.
The IEP is a document that is created for every child with a disability who receives special education services. It is individualized to meet the specific needs of the child and must be reviewed and updated at least once per year.
The IEP includes information on the child’s current level of functioning, goals for the upcoming year, and the specific services and supports that will be provided to help the child meet those goals. These services and supports may include things like specialized instruction, related services, assistive technology, and accommodations.
IEP amendments are changes that are made to a child’s IEP after it has been developed. Amendments can be made at any time, but they must be made in accordance with IDEA procedures. Parents must be given notice of any proposed amendments and they must be given an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.
