What is an IEP?

An individualized education program, or IEP, is a plan. The IEP explains what help your child will get in special education. Your child can only get the help that is written in the IEP. A team of people write the IEP at a meeting. The IEP must be written down. All children that need special education must have an IEP.

What is an IEP meeting?

If your child needs special education, the school will plan a meeting to write the IEP. Your child’s teachers cannot write the IEP on their own. The IEP must be discussed at an IEP meeting. The school must tell you when and where the meeting is and who will be there. If you choose not to attend, the school can still conduct the meeting about your child. If you choose to attend the meeting, the school must make sure you understand the IEP.

Schools often write a draft IEP before the meeting. This is fine, but you must get a chance to ask questions, agree or disagree with their suggestions, and make suggestions of your own. Ask for a copy of the school’s draft several days before the meeting. Read the draft. Mark on the draft what you do and do not like. At the meeting, tell the team what you do and do not like.

Who is on the IEP team?

• Parents

You must be invited to all IEP meetings. If you cannot go to the meeting, tell the principal. Ask for a different date. If you refuse to go to the meeting, the school can have the meeting without you.

• Teachers

At least one teacher must be at the meeting. If your child will be in both regular and special education classes, two teachers must be at the meeting. One teacher is from the regular classroom. The other teacher is from the special education classroom.

• School Administrator

This is usually the school principal or director of special education.

• Someone Who Understands Evaluations

This is usually the school psychologist. This person can explain anything in the “evaluation report” that you do not understand. Your child must get an evaluation before the IEP meeting.

• Your Child

Your child must be invited after they turn 16 years old because the team will talk about “transition services.” But when your child is 14, the IEP Team must prepare a plan every year of transition services for your child.

When should I include my child in an IEP meeting?

You can bring your child to the IEP meetings sooner. This may depend on how serious your child’s disability is. Even children in grade school are learning to think on their own. They decide what they will and will not do. If your child does not understand his IEP, he may not follow it. Then you and the rest of the team have wasted your time.

Even if your child does not go to the IEP meeting, talk to your child about his IEP. Show it to him. Explain why he has an IEP. Explain how it helps him learn. Ask your child for ideas about what will help him learn. If your child feels like part of the team, he is more likely to follow the IEP.

What if there are some people who cannot attend the IEP meeting?

If an IEP team member cannot attend a meeting, that person must tell you and you must agree that it is not necessary for him or her to be at the meeting. This agreement must be in writing.

Sample Invitation From School to IEP Meeting

Requesting an IEP meeting is just the beginning of the process to ensure your child is getting the attention they may need.  You can also contact any one of the following organizations:

• Your Local Legal Aid Office or call 1-866-LAW-OHIO (529-6446)
  

• Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS)or call 1-800-282-9181
  

• Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) or call 1-800-374-2806
  

• Parent Mentors - Ask your school district if they have one.

• Private Attorneys - Ask your local Legal Aid office or check your local yellow pages.