I.E.P. = Individualized Education Program

I.E.P. = Individualized Education Program

A I.E.P. is a legal plan created to provide tailored educational support and services to students with disabilities to assist them in succeeding in school.

What is an I.E.P.?

It is a written document created for each public-school child in the United States who qualify for special education under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It outlines the student's current performance, strengths, needs, and sets measurable goals to support academic and social development. The I.E.P. ensures that students receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).  

Purpose of an I.E.P.

A main purpose of an I.E.P. is to detail the specific goals for a child with disabilities and the specialized instruction, accommodations and services the school will provide to help achieve those goals. 

It also gives the families legal protections, allowing them to participate in educational decisions and ensures students' rights in areas like school discipline.

Eligibility

To be eligible a student must:

  • Be between the ages of 3 and 21
  • Attend a public school or charter school
  • Have a documented disability or developmental delay that affects learning:
    • Autism
    • ADHD
    • Intellectual Disability
    • Speech/Language Impairement
    • Health Impairments
  • Require special education and related services to benefit from the general education program.
I.E.P. Development and Review

An I.E.P. is created by a multidisciplinary team including parents or guardians, teachers, and school staff who evaluate the child. The process begins with an evaluation of the student's strengths and challenges. The team creates goals, accommodations, modifications and services tailored to the student's needs. I.E.P.s are reviewed at least once a year to track progress and make necessary adjustments. 

Key Components

An I.E.P. typically includes:
  • Current levels of academic and functional performance
  • Measurable annual goals
  • Special education services and supports
  • Accomodations and modifications
  • Participation in state and district assessments
  • Extended School year (E.S.Y) services if needed (Summer School)
Legal and Practical Significance

Although an I.E.P. is not a contract, it is legally binding once signed by the parent or guardian and the school is required to follow it.

It is used as a roadmap for teachers and service providers to understand how the student learns best and how to support the students educational progress.

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