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You are here: Families & Children > Special Education > Special Education Rights for Children & Families > Individualized Education Program (IEP) Basics
Click on a question below:
What is an IEP?
Who makes the IEP?
How will I find out about the IEP meeting?
After the IEP meeting, how long will it take for my child to get help?
How often will my child's IEP be reviewed?
What is an IEP?
The "IEP" (or "individualized education program") is a process and a document.
If an assessment says your child needs special education, you will have an IEP meeting at least once a year. You and the rest of the IEP team will write an IEP document that says what your child needs and what services will meet those needs. It should say:
- What level your child is at in school;
- What the long- and short-term goals are for your child;
- What special education and related services your child needs;
- How much your child can be with children who aren't disabled; and
- When services should start.
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Who makes the IEP?
You should be a big part of this process. You must be part of the IEP team. The people on the IEP team are:
- The child's parents;
- At least 1 regular education teacher, if the child can be in a regular classroom;
- At least 1 special education teacher;
- Someone from the LEA;
- Someone who can read the assessment and say what it means for the child's schooling;
- If the parents or the LEA wants, other people who know about the child; and
- The child (if it's appropriate).
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How will I find out about the IEP meeting?
The LEA must tell you about any IEP meeting ahead of time. You have to agree to the time and place.
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After the IEP meeting, how long will it take for my child to get help?
At the meeting, they will ask you if you agree to the IEP written for your child. If you want more time, ask them to continue the meeting to a later date.
After you give permission in writing, the IEP has to start as soon as possible.
| NOTE: If you don't agree to the IEP, your child won't get special education. |
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How often will my child's IEP be reviewed?
There will be an IEP meeting every year. But if there are problems with the IEP, or your child has new problems, you can ask for a review at any time. This is called an "IEP addendum meeting." After the LEA gets your letter asking for a review, you will have a meeting within 30 days.
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Last modified: 03/17/2008
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