Easy IEP Help

There are five steps to the IEP Process:

1. Referral for Evaluation
2. Evaluation
3. Determining Eligibility
4. Writing the Individualized Education Plan
5. IEP Meeting

Step 1: Referral for Evaluation

The Referral for Evaluation can be requested by a teacher, administrator, or parent. If your child is struggling in school, put a request for evaluation in writing and be sure to sign and date it.

Step 2: Special Education Evaluation

The Special Education Evaluation will assess your child’s academic standing and skills by testing various areas of language, cognitive ability, developmental skills and other areas.

Step 3: Determining Eligibility

After the evaluation or assessment it will be determined if the child has a disability that fits into one of the 13 categories defined by the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) and the disability creates a need for special education services. The 13 categories are:

Step 4: Writing the IEP

If services are warranted, an IEP eligibility meeting be scheduled and the IEP Team will meet to write the plan which will provide a free appropriate education (FAPE).

Step 5: The IEP Meeting

The first IEP Meeting can be intimidating. Make sure you attend! You will have a lot of questions and make sure you get answers. Do not be rushed into signing anything that you do not understand and actively participate in every step of the process. Many IEPs start out positively but end on a bad note. This meeting will set the pace for your child now and in the future.

Related IEP posts:

1. Easy IEP Help News on January 29, 2011 Resources for writing IEP Goals and Objectives...
2. Should I Sign The IEP? The rules and laws vary from state to state, but...
3. IEP Team The IEP Team for a child with a learning disability...
4. Should My Child Attend the IEP Meeting? When and why should a parent allow their child to...
5. Resources for an Easy IEP Is there really such a thing as an easy IEP?...