What is an IEP?

What is an IEP? A Comprehensive Guide to Individualized Education Programs

Table of Contents

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a critical tool in the education system, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), an IEP ensures that students who qualify for special education receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

But an IEP is more than just a document—it’s a personalized roadmap that outlines the special education services and accommodations a child requires to succeed. This guide explains what an IEP is, who qualifies for one, how it’s developed, and why it’s essential for students with disabilities.

IEP (Individual Education Program)

What is an IEP?

An IEP is a legal document that lays out a plan for a student who qualifies for special education services. It is created by a team, including the student’s parents or guardians, teachers, school staff, and sometimes the student themselves, depending on their age and capacity to participate.

The IEP outlines the student’s present levels of academic and functional performance, measurable goals for the year, and the special education instruction, accommodations, and services they will receive. These services are tailored to meet the unique needs of the student based on their disability. IEPs are designed to ensure that students with disabilities have the same opportunities for success as their peers in general education settings.

Who Qualifies for an IEP?

To qualify for an IEP, a student must meet two criteria:

  1. Identified Disability: The student must have one or more of the 13 disabilities covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These disabilities include:
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • Deafness or Hearing Impairment
    • Blindness or Visual Impairment
    • Emotional Disturbance (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder)
    • Intellectual Disability (e.g., Down syndrome)
    • Orthopedic Impairments (e.g., cerebral palsy)
    • Other Health Impairments (e.g., ADHD, chronic health conditions)
    • Specific Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia)
    • Speech or Language Impairments
    • Traumatic Brain Injury
    • Developmental Delays (usually for children under 9)
    • Deaf-Blindness (both hearing and vision impairments)
  2. Impact on School Performance: The student’s disability must adversely affect their ability to perform in a general education setting, meaning they require specialized instruction and services.

It’s important to note that students do not need a medical diagnosis to qualify for an IEP. Instead, the school will conduct an evaluation to determine whether the child meets the criteria for special education services under IDEA.

Common Services Provided Through an IEP

IEPs are designed to provide specialized instruction and services based on the student’s unique needs. Some of the most common services included in an IEP are:

  • Speech and Language Therapy: For students with communication disorders or language delays.
  • Occupational Therapy: Helps students develop fine motor skills or overcome physical barriers to learning.
  • Physical Therapy: Supports students with gross motor challenges, often due to orthopedic impairments.
  • Social Work Services: To help students with emotional or behavioral challenges that impact learning.
  • Vision and Hearing Services: For students with visual or auditory impairments, including sign language interpreters.
  • Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP): Helps manage challenging behaviors and provides strategies to improve self-regulation.

The IEP team determines which services the student will receive, how often they will be provided, and in what setting (e.g., a general education classroom, a special education classroom, or one-on-one).

How is an IEP Developed?

The IEP process involves multiple steps to ensure that the student’s needs are fully understood and addressed:

  1. Referral for Evaluation: A parent, teacher, or another professional may request an evaluation if they suspect a student has a disability affecting their learning.
  2. Evaluation: A team of professionals assesses the student across various domains, including cognitive, behavioral, and physical development. This evaluation may include classroom observations, standardized tests, and input from teachers and parents.
  3. Eligibility Meeting: After the evaluation is complete, an Eligibility Determination Conference (EDC) is held, where the team reviews the evaluation results and determines if the student qualifies for an IEP based on IDEA criteria.
  4. IEP Meeting: If the student is found eligible, the IEP team—including parents, teachers, school psychologists, and therapists—meets to develop the plan. During this meeting, the team discusses the student’s present levels of performance (PLOP), sets measurable goals, and outlines the services and supports needed to meet those goals.
  5. Implementation: Once the IEP is developed, the school is responsible for ensuring that the services and accommodations outlined in the plan are provided. Teachers and staff must follow the IEP to ensure the student has the support they need.
  6. Annual Review: The IEP is reviewed at least once a year to assess the student’s progress and make necessary adjustments. However, parents or school staff can request a review at any time if the student’s needs change.

What is the Difference Between an IEP and a 504 Plan?

While both IEPs and 504 Plans are designed to support students with disabilities, they serve different purposes and are governed by different laws.

  • IEP (Individualized Education Program): Governed by IDEA, an IEP is designed for students whose disabilities significantly impact their ability to succeed in a general education setting without specialized instruction. An IEP outlines specific goals and provides customized instruction and services.
  • 504 Plan: Governed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a 504 plan provides accommodations (like extra time on tests, flexible seating, or assistive technology) to students who have disabilities but do not require specialized instruction. 504 plans help students access the general curriculum without altering the content of what is being taught.
IEP advocate talking about a child's rights with parents.

What Makes a Good IEP?

A well-developed IEP is data-driven, student-focused, and built on collaboration between parents, educators, and specialists. The key components of a successful IEP include:

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: The IEP should be based on multiple sources of data, including academic records, psychological assessments, and input from teachers and parents. This data ensures the plan is tailored to the student’s actual needs.
  • Measurable Goals: Every IEP must include both short-term and long-term measurable goals. These goals should be specific, realistic, and focused on the student’s academic, behavioral, and functional development.
  • Regular Monitoring and Adjustment: The IEP team should continuously assess the student’s progress. If the student is not meeting their goals, the IEP must be reviewed and revised to provide additional support or modify the goals to make them more achievable.

A good IEP also focuses on the student’s potential, not just their deficits. It should provide a path for the student to succeed in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), meaning they are integrated into general education as much as possible.

How Do You Get an IEP?

If you believe your child may need an IEP, the first step is to request an evaluation from your child’s school. You can ask any school staff member, including your child’s teacher, the principal, or the school nurse, to begin the process. There is no specific paperwork that families need to provide to get started.

Once the evaluation is complete, the school will hold an Eligibility Determination Conference (EDC) to discuss whether your child qualifies for an IEP. If they are eligible, the school will set up an IEP meeting to develop the plan.

Parents are key members of the IEP team and should be active participants throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request changes to ensure the plan meets your child’s unique needs.

Common Myths About IEPs

There are several misconceptions about IEPs that can deter families from seeking them for their children. Here are some common myths and the facts to debunk them:

  • Myth: Children with IEPs must be placed in special education classrooms.
    • Fact: The goal of an IEP is to ensure that students are educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), meaning they are integrated with their peers in general education settings as much as possible.
  • Myth: IEPs are permanent.
    • Fact: IEPs are flexible and reviewed annually. A student may no longer need an IEP once they make sufficient progress or meet their goals.
  • Myth: Private schools are required to offer IEPs.
    • Fact: IEPs are part of public education, and private schools are not required to offer them. However, students in private schools may receive special education services through an Individual Services Plan (ISP).

Why IEPs are Essential

IEPs are vital in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the education they are legally entitled to. By tailoring education to the individual, an IEP provides the support and accommodations necessary for a student to succeed in school and beyond. Learn more about The Chicago Family Tutor’s IEP Advocacy services.

If you suspect that your child may benefit from an IEP, reach out to your child’s school to start the process. Remember, as a parent, you are an integral part of beginning the process to helping your child. 

Additional Resources

Here are some other IEP resources for parents. 

What is an IEP Advocate?

This article outlines what is an IEP advocate is and what exactly they do to help in the process. 
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Early Intervention Clearinghouse – How to Advocate for Your School-Aged Child with a Disability

This article outlines strategies for parents to effectively advocate for their children, emphasizing intuition, knowledge, and systemic change.
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Wrightslaw – Special Education Law and Advocacy

Wrightslaw provides extensive articles, legal cases, and resources about special education law and advocacy, serving as a valuable tool for parents and advocates.
Visit website »

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