Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding plan that provides specialized instruction and supports for students with disabilities. This page explains who qualifies, what an IEP includes, how to request an evaluation, and how parents can advocate throughout the process.
What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding education plan for a student with a disability who qualifies for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
An IEP outlines:
- A child’s learning needs
- Special education services and supports
- Goals the school will work toward
- Accommodations and modifications
- How progress will be measured and reported
An IEP is designed to ensure a child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs.
An IEP is not:
- A one-time document
- A punishment or label
- Only for children with severe disabilities
IEPs support children with a wide range of needs, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech and language disorders, emotional disabilities, and other developmental differences.
Who can get an IEP?
A child may qualify for an IEP if:
- They have a recognized disability category under IDEA, and the disability significantly affects educational performance, requiring specialized instruction
Common eligibility categories include:
- Specific Learning Disability (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia)
- Autism
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Other Health Impairment (often used for ADHD)
- Emotional Disability
- Developmental Delay (for younger children)
Having a diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a child. The key question is whether the child needs specialized instruction, not just accommodations.
What are the main parts of an IEP?
A complete IEP includes:
Present Levels of Performance:
- How the child is currently doing academically, socially, and functionally
Annual Goals:
- Specific, measurable goals tailored to the child’s needs
Special Education Services:
- Instruction, therapies, or supports provided
Accommodations and Modifications:
- Changes to how a child learns or demonstrates learning
Related Services:
- Speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, etc.
Placement:
- Where services will be delivered (general education, inclusion, special class)
Progress Monitoring:
- How and when progress will be reported to parents
How do I request an IEP evaluation?
Step 1. Make a written request
Parents can request an IEP evaluation at any time by submitting a written request to:
- The school principal
- The special education coordinator
- The district’s Committee on Special Education (CSE) or equivalent
You do not need:
- A doctor’s diagnosis
- Teacher permission
- To wait for the school to suggest it
The request should state:
- That you are requesting a special education evaluation
- Areas of concern (academic, behavioral, speech, attention, etc.)
Step 2. School response
After receiving your written request, the school must:
- Respond within a legally defined timeframe (varies by state)
- Ask for written parental consent to evaluate
Step 3. Evaluation period
Once consent is given:
- The school conducts evaluations in all suspected areas of need
- This may include academic testing, speech evaluations, psychological testing, and classroom observations
In many states (including New York):
- Evaluations must be completed within 60 calendar days of consent
Step 4. Eligibility meeting
After evaluations:
- The school holds a meeting to review results
- The team decides whether the child qualifies for special education
Parents are full members of the team. If the child does not qualify, parents have the right to:
- Request explanations
- Seek an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
- Disagree and pursue due process options
Step 5. IEP meeting (if eligible)
If the child qualifies:
- The team develops an IEP
- Goals, services, and supports are discussed and written
- Parents must receive a copy of the IEP
Services typically begin shortly after the IEP is finalized.
What if my child already has an IEP?
IEPs are continual, not one-time. An IEP is a living document that evolves as a child grows.
Key points:
- IEPs are reviewed at least once per year
- Parents can request a meeting at any time
- Goals, services, and placements can be changed if needs change
Annual IEP review
At least once every 12 months:
- The team reviews progress
- Goals are updated
- Services may be increased, decreased, or changed
Parents should:
- Review progress reports
- Bring concerns and data
- Ask whether goals are being met meaningfully
Reevaluation timeline
Every three years (or sooner if needed):
- The school must reevaluate the child
- This determines continued eligibility and current needs
Parents can request:
- Reevaluation earlier than three years
- Additional testing if concerns arise
What if the IEP is not working?
Parents can:
- Request an IEP meeting to revise goals or services
- Ask for additional supports
- Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
- Use mediation or due process if disagreements persist
You do not have to wait for the annual review if the plan is not effective.
How is an IEP different from a 504 Plan?
IEP
- Provides specialized instruction
- Governed by IDEA
- More intensive supports
504 Plan
- Provides accommodations only
- Governed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- No specialized instruction
A child may move from a 504 to an IEP if needs increase.
What else should I know about IEPs?
A. Parents are equal members of the team
Your input is legally required and important.
B. IEPs are individualized
There is no “standard” IEP that fits every child.
C. Services must be based on need
Not availability, staffing, or convenience.
D. IEPs can change
A child’s needs may change year to year, and the IEP should change with them.
E. IEPs continue across grade levels
IEPs follow a child from year to year and school to school within a district.
What can I do to support my child through the IEP process?
Step 1. Keep records
Save evaluations, emails, reports, and IEPs.
Step 2. Prepare for meetings
Write down concerns and questions ahead of time.
Step 3. Ask for explanations
You have the right to understand every part of the IEP.
Step 4. Advocate calmly and clearly
You are not being difficult by asking for what your child needs.
Step 5. Seek support if needed
Advocates, parent groups, and legal resources can help.
Key Takeaways
✓ An IEP is a legally binding plan that provides specialized instruction and supports for eligible students.
✓ Eligibility is based on educational need, not diagnosis alone.
✓ IEPs are individualized and can include goals, services, accommodations, and progress monitoring.
✓ Parents are equal members of the IEP team and can request evaluations or meetings at any time.
✓ IEPs are living documents that should change as a child’s needs evolve.
Additional Resources
Medical, educational, and legal information sites:
U.S. Department of Education – IDEA and IEPs
- Explains the law, evaluation process, and IEP requirements
Wrightslaw – IEPs and Special Education Law
- Parent-friendly explanations of timelines, rights, and advocacy
- Plain-language guides to requesting, understanding, and managing IEPs
- National hub connecting families to state parent training centers
Support organizations and family resources:
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
- Legal and advocacy resources for families navigating special education
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) – IEP Guidance
- Advocacy-focused information on evaluations and services
