Understanding Your Child’s IEP: A Parent’s Guide

If you’re a parent navigating special education for the first time, you’ve probably heard the term “IEP” more times than you can count. But what exactly is an IEP, and why is it so important for your child? Let’s break it down together. 

What Is an IEP?

An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legal document created for students who qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It’s designed to meet your child’s specific learning needs and help them make meaningful progress at school. Think of it as a roadmap that outlines where your child is, where they’re going, and how the school plans to help them get there (Yell, Katsiyannis, & Losinski, 2021).

What’s in an IEP?

Each IEP includes a few key parts. It starts with a section called the present levels of academic and functional performance, which describes how your child is currently doing in school—both academically and socially. Next, the IEP outlines goals for your child to work toward during the school year. These goals should be specific, measurable, and realistic. The plan also lists the services and supports your child will receive, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or time with a special education teacher. Accommodations—like extended time on tests or having instructions read aloud—are also included to help your child access learning in a way that works for them.

Understanding the IEP Process

The IEP process follows a series of steps that involve both the school and the family. It usually begins with a referral—either from a teacher or a parent—requesting a formal evaluation. Once the evaluation is complete, the school holds a meeting to determine whether your child qualifies for services under IDEA. If they do, the team (which includes you!) works together to write the IEP. The plan is reviewed at least once a year, and your child must be re-evaluated every three years to ensure the services are still appropriate.

Steps in the IEP Process: A Parent’s Guide

Step 1: Referral for Evaluation

Either a parent or a teacher can request that a child be evaluated for special education services. This request should be made in writing and submitted to the school.

Purpose: To determine if the child has a disability that impacts learning and may qualify for support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Step 2: Evaluation

With parent consent, the school conducts a full evaluation. This might include assessments in areas like academics, speech and language, behavior, physical abilities, and emotional development.

Timeline: Usually completed within 60 days (or the timeframe set by your state).

Step 3: Eligibility Determination

Once evaluations are complete, a team (including the parent) meets to review the results and determine if the child qualifies for special education services.

Key Requirement: The child must meet criteria under one of IDEA’s 13 disability categories (like autism, ADHD, or a learning disability) and need specialized instruction.

Step 4: Developing the IEP

If the child is found eligible, the IEP team (including parents, teachers, and specialists) creates a customized plan for the child. This plan includes:

• Present levels of performance
  
• Annual goals
  
• Special education services
  
• Accommodations/modifications
  
• How will progress be tracked?
  

Parents are full team members in this process and should help shape goals and supports.

Step 5: IEP Meeting and Parent Consent

At the meeting, the proposed IEP is reviewed and discussed. Parents can suggest changes, ask questions, or request clarifications.

Important: The school must receive parental consent before putting the IEP into action.

Step 6: IEP Implementation

Once signed, the school is responsible for putting the IEP into practice. Teachers and service providers work together to support the child’s needs according to the plan.

Tip for parents: Stay in touch with teachers and track your child’s progress regularly.

Step 7: Progress Monitoring

Schools are required to track how the child is doing on IEP goals and provide parents with updates (often during report card periods). Parents take advantage of times that include progress reports, report cards issued, and parent/teacher conferences to discuss your child’s progress.

Step 8: Annual Review

The IEP team meets at least once a year to review the plan, celebrate progress, and adjust goals or services as needed.

Step 9: Re-evaluation (Every 3 Years)

The school must re-evaluate the child every three years to decide whether services are still needed or if changes should be made. This can happen sooner if requested by the school or parent.

Getting Ready for the IEP Meeting

As a parent, you play a huge role in the IEP process. You know your child best, and your input is essential. Before the meeting, ask for a draft of the IEP so you can review it ahead of time. Make a list of your questions or concerns, and bring notes with you. I highly recommend parents new to IEPs bring an advocate for extra support and guidance. An advocate can be provided by your local Regional Center, or you could hire an advocate (this can be costly). If you have the means, you can bring a Lawyer that specializes in IEPs. At one of the school districts I worked for, many parents had Lawyers, especially if they wanted to push for specific services. My family used a Regional Center advocate to come to one of my kid’s IEP meeting. The advocate did a great job advocating for my son. Remember, don’t hesitate to speak up during the meeting—if something doesn’t make sense, ask for clarification. Your voice matters.

Know Your Rights

You also have specific legal rights in the IEP process. You must be involved in decision-making, and you have the right to agree or disagree with parts of the plan. If you feel that the school’s evaluation doesn’t fully reflect your child’s needs, you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). Schools are required to provide families with a copy of their procedural safeguards—a document that explains your rights under the law (Zirkel, 2017). Knowing these rights can help you advocate confidently and make informed choices.

Building a Strong IEP Team

One of the best things you can do as a parent is to build a positive, collaborative relationship with your child’s IEP team. Communication is key—send check-in emails, use communication logs, or schedule regular updates with teachers and therapists. Ask questions like, “How is this goal being supported during the school day?” or “What can I do at home to reinforce this skill?” Everyone on the team shares the same goal: helping your child succeed.

As a teacher, I would write a message to the parents everyday in the student’s calendar. I would mention goals we were working and any note worthy comments. As a parent, we got an email when our child had services (speech, OT, APE). As a parent, I wanted to make sure the service providers were providing their services as stated in the IEP. As a teacher and an aide, I would see that service providers did not always keep the amount of sessions, as the IEP stated. I will go behind the curtain in future articles/blogs.

What Happens After the IEP Meeting?

After the IEP meeting, take time to carefully read the final version of the plan. Make sure everything you discussed is included. If something looks off or doesn’t feel right, you can ask for changes. Remember, the IEP isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a living document that can be adjusted if needed. You can request a new meeting at any time during the school year if concerns arise.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Support for your child doesn’t stop at the classroom door—it continues at home, too. You can help by aligning your home routines with the goals in the IEP. If your child is working on reading or social skills at school, practice those same skills during bedtime stories or family activities. Celebrate your child’s progress, even the small wins. Encourage independence by giving your child choices, creating routines, and using visual supports like checklists or picture schedules. And as they grow, help them learn how to speak up for themselves—teach self-advocacy skills like saying “I need help” or “Can I take a break?”

Final Thoughts

Yes, the IEP process can feel overwhelming at times, but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are parent support groups, local advocacy centers, and online communities that can walk with you every step of the way. The more informed you are, the stronger your voice becomes. And the stronger your voice, the better equipped your child will be to thrive.

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References

Mueller, T. G., & Vick, R. M. (2019). A framework for empowering parents of children with disabilities. Journal of Family Social Work, 22(2), 144–160. https://doi.org/10.1080/10522158.2019.1585312

Yell, M. L., Katsiyannis, A., & Losinski, M. (2021). Special education law (4th ed.). Pearson.

Zirkel, P. A. (2017). The legal dimension of IEP implementation: Compliance and remedies. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 27(4), 206–215. https://doi.org/10.1177/1044207315613315