Navigate your child's educational journey with clarity and confidence.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that outlines your child's unique learning needs and the specialized support they'll receive.
An IEP is the tool that ensures your child receives a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Request an evaluation for special education services.
Comprehensive assessment of your child's needs.
Determine if your child qualifies for services.
Collaborate with the team to create the plan.
Services begin in the learning environment.
A comprehensive snapshot of where your child is right now, academically, functionally, and socially. This baseline helps measure all future growth.
Specific, measurable objectives your child will work toward over the year. Each goal is tailored to their needs and tracked with clear criteria for success.
Every IEP goal should include these key elements:
Services are the specialized support provided to help your child meet their IEP goals. Your IEP will specify what services your child receives, who provides them, how often, where, and for how long. There are four main types of services.
Modifications and supports that help your child access learning without changing what they're expected to learn. These ensure equal opportunity to succeed.
Where your child receives their education, from general education classrooms with support to specialized settings. Placement is determined by your child's needs and designed to provide the least restrictive environment.
For students 14 and older, transition planning prepares your child for life after high school. This includes goals for education, employment, and independent living skills.
Updates on goal achievement every 9-12 weeks.
Full review and revision of the plan each year.
Comprehensive reassessment of needs and eligibility.
Progress reports track your child's movement toward their goals. Understanding these patterns helps you know when to celebrate, and when to advocate for change.
Surpassing goals ahead of schedule
Meeting expected progress
Moving forward, but below expected pace
Little to no growth over time
Skills declining from baseline
As a parent, you're an equal member of the IEP team. Federal law guarantees you specific rights to protect your child's education. Here are the 13 essential rights every parent should know.
If you disagree with the school's evaluation of your child, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense. This means a qualified professional outside the school district will evaluate your child, and the district pays for it.
The school must notify you in writing before they propose or refuse any changes to your child's identification, evaluation, placement, or services. This notice must explain what they want to do, why they want to do it, and what data they used to make the decision.
The school must get your written permission before conducting an initial evaluation, starting special education services, or reevaluating your child. Your consent is required, and you can revoke it at any time.
You have the right to inspect and review all of your child's educational records. This includes test results, report cards, discipline records, and any other documents the school maintains about your child. Schools must provide these within 45 days of your request.
If you believe the school is violating your child's rights, you can file a formal complaint. There are two types: due process complaints (for specific disputes about your child's IEP) and state complaints (for broader violations of special education law). Each has different timelines and procedures, and the school must attempt to resolve your concerns.
Before going to a hearing, you can request mediation, a voluntary process where a trained, neutral mediator helps you and the school reach an agreement. Mediation is free, confidential, and often faster than a formal hearing.
During a dispute, your child has the right to remain in their current placement until the issue is resolved. This "stay-put" rule ensures your child's education isn't disrupted while disagreements are being worked out.
If your child's behavior poses a safety risk, the school may temporarily move them to an alternative setting for up to 45 days. You have the right to be notified, to have this placement be appropriate, and to challenge the decision if you disagree.
If the public school can't provide an appropriate education, you may place your child in a private school. Under certain conditions, you can request that the district reimburse you for tuition. This requires following specific procedures and timelines.
If mediation doesn't resolve your dispute, you can request a due process hearing, a formal legal proceeding before an impartial hearing officer. Both sides must share evaluation results and recommendations at least five days before the hearing. You have the right to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and have your child present.
In some states, if you disagree with the hearing officer's decision, you can appeal to the state education agency. They will review the case and make a final administrative decision before you pursue legal action.
After exhausting administrative remedies, you have the right to file a lawsuit in state or federal court. You typically have 90 days from the hearing decision to file, though this varies by state. The court can review the administrative record and hear additional evidence.
If you prevail in a due process hearing or lawsuit, the court may order the school district to pay your attorney's fees. This helps ensure that families can afford legal representation when fighting for their child's rights.
Your voice matters in your child's education.
An advocate can help you prepare for your child's IEP meeting, attend with you, or provide guidance every step of the way.