Frequently Asked Questions About IEPs (Individualized Education Programs)

 

1. My child has been found eligible for special education.  What happens next?

The next step is to write what is known as an Individualized Education Program.  A meeting must be held within 30 days to develop the IEP.

 

2. What is an IEP?

An IEP is a written statement of the educational program designed to meet a child’s individual needs.  Every child who receives special education services must have an IEP.

 

3.      What type of information is included in an IEP?

According to IDEA your child’s IEP must include specific statements about your child.  The statements are listed below:

·        Present levels of educational performance.  This statement describes how your child is currently doing in school.

·        Annual Goals.  The IEP must state what you and the school team think he or she can reasonably accomplish in a year.

·        Special education and related services to be provided.  The IEP must list the special education and related services to be provided to your child.

·        Participation with non-disabled children.  How much of the school day will your child be educated separately from non-disabled children or not participate in extracurricular or other non-academic activities such as lunch or clubs.

·        Participation is state and district-wide assessments.  The IEP team must decide what modifications your child needs and list them in the IEP.

·        Dates and location.  The IEP must state

When services and modifications will begin;

How often they will be provided;

Where they will be provided; and

How long they will last.

·        Transition services.  If your child is age 14, the IEP must include a statement of his or her transition service needs.  Transition planning will help your child move through school.

·        Measuring progress.  The IEP must state how the school personnel will measure your child’s progress toward the annual goals.