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Overview of the IEP Process

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Within 30 days after a child is recommended for special education and related services, the school must hold an IEP meeting with the child's parents and, if appropriate, the child. This meeting is required under IDEA.

The things that will be included in the IEP document - the foundation for the child's education experience for up to 12 months - will be discussed during this meeting. This document will outline the specific services your child will receive and the specific academic and functional goals that will guide your child's educational experience for the coming school year.

Once an IEP has been created for your child, you will meet annually with your child's IEP team to review and update the program and make sure it maximizes his or her skills and abilities. This is called an annual review.

IDEA requires several people to attend your child's IEP meeting. Required participants include:

You, as the child's parent or guardian.
Your child, at age 16 or before if you feel your child is ready to participate.
His or her special education and regular classroom teachers.
School administrators.
Someone qualified to interpret evaluation results.
Special education professionals and related services experts.

If your child is transitioning from the IFSP system, meaning this is his or her first IEP under Part B of IDEA 2004, consider inviting the IFSP coordinator that worked with your family in the past. This person can add a historical perspective, offer information on what was done in the past and help provide continuity.

Your child's school is required to notify you and your family in writing of:

The meeting's date, time and place;
The topics to be discussed at the meeting.

You should receive all evaluations, paperwork, etc. in advance so you have time to review them. If you don't, contact the school and request the documents to be sent.

Although IEP meetings are usually held at the school, you have a say about when and where the meeting is held. Try to be as flexible as possible. Remember, this meeting is critical and should be a priority for you and your family.

Required Attendees Under IDEA	Role
You, the parent(s)	Act as the child's advocate for inclusion, specific goals and adaptive technology if necessary. Learn and understand the process. Share information. Ask questions. Offer suggestions. Keep the team's focus on "the big picture" and your child's long-term needs. Speak up on your child's behalf.
Your child, depending on his or her age, situation, etc.	IDEA requires the child to be an active participant in the meeting before he or she turns 16, the beginning of the transition period. As a parent, you and your child decide whether or not your child attends. Generally, your child's presence at the meeting becomes increasingly important as the child gets older.
School administrator(s)	Represent the school district. Know the general curriculum. Can authorize special education services and resources.
General education teacher(s)	Represent the inclusive classroom and opportunities for your child to participate in the general education community.
Special education teacher(s)	Offer insight into the special education services that are available and might be beneficial to your child.
Before age 16: Transition staff, employment counselors, etc.	Provide information on futures planning, job skills, etc.
Evaluator(s)	Interpret evaluation results. Help determine what the results mean in terms of instruction.

Others to Consider Inviting	Role
Therapists and other professionals who work with your child - i.e., speech and physical therapists, psychologists, etc.	Provide special insights into your child's life, academic achievements, physical challenges, socialization issues, etc.
Interpreters	Help you understand the IEP process and the discussions if English is not your native language.
Mentor, relative or other support person who knows your child	Take notes, listen to what is said and repeat it later. Represent you and your child's best interests.

Overview of the IEP Process

You, the parent(s)

Your child, depending on his or her age, situation, etc.

School administrator(s)

General education teacher(s)

Special education teacher(s)

Before age 16: Transition staff, employment counselors, etc.

Evaluator(s)

Therapists and other professionals who work with your child - i.e., speech and physical therapists, psychologists, etc.

Interpreters

Mentor, relative or other support person who knows your child