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If your child qualifies for Special Education Services, you and a team of school staff will help to write an Individual Education Plan or IEP for your child. Your child may also participate in writing the plan.

The IEP explains and describes

• Your child’s current education performance

• Your child’s level of performance

• Services to be received

• Amount of time receiving services

• Goals and objectives for the upcoming year

Before the IEP Meeting

• Talk to your child about school

• Visit your child’s classroom

• List your child’s strengths and weaknesses

• List goals you would like your child to achieve

• List questions for the school staff

• Read your “Parental Rights and Procedural Safeguards”

During the IEP Meeting

• Ask questions

• Clarify the educational program proposed

• Discuss your child’s behavioral needs

• Work with the team to explore options

• Ask for another meeting if you need more clarification

• Request a copy of the IEP document

After the IEP Meeting

• Keep the IEP and monitor your child’s progress

• Learn about special education and your child’s disability

• Express  your concerns in writing if you need clarification or help

Each year the process of writing a student’s IEP is repeated. Progress made on the last IEP will be reviewed, and new goals and objectives set for the coming year. Parents receive meeting notices before the IEP meeting and prior written notice after the meeting to record any changes that the IEP team has suggested in the student’s plan.