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Chapter 7: The Individualized Education Program – Road Maps, Sign Posts, One-Way Streets

Congratulations! You are well on your way toward navigating the maze. You are now ready to help develop your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The first step is to understand the parts and purposes of the IEP.

The Individualized Education Program describes the special education and services specifically designed to meet the needs of a child with disabilities. The program is developed at one or more IEP meetings, and its provisions are detailed in writing in an IEP planning document. In other words, the IEP is a map that will direct special education services and supports that will help your child succeed in academics, develop socially, and be equipped with necessary day-to-day living skills.

The IEP Written Document

You play a vital role in developing the IEP —the written description of the program tailored to fit your child’s unique educational needs. The IEP is developed jointly by parents, educators, and, often, the person for whom the plans are being made, your child. It includes:

• Goals for your child, based on her current levels of functioning; these are developed by everyone involved in planning and providing services
• Where your child will be educated, sometimes referred to as educational placement
• The services necessary to reach the goals listed in the IEP. The IEP also includes the date services will begin and end, how long they will last, and how often they are provided
• How the curriculum may be modified to fit your child’s individualized needs, and what accommodations and supports will make it easier for your child to learn and demonstrate what she can do
• The way in which your child's progress will be measured

The IEP serves multiple functions:

• It is an outline of, and management tool for, your child's special education program.
• It defines your child’s needs, what will be provided to meet those needs, and how to tell if those needs are met.
• It is the official agreement you have with the school system and includes the resolution of any differences you and the school system may have had.
• It is the commitment in writing of the resources the school agrees to provide.

For all of these reasons, the Individualized Education Program—both the document and the process through which it is developed—is the cornerstone of special education.

The sections of an IEP are:

1. A Description of Your Child—Present Level of Performance
2. Hoped-for Achievements—Measurable Annual Goals
3. Checking Up—Reviewing Your Child’s Progress
4. What Services Will Help Your Child: Special Education and Related Services
5. Duration of Services: Who, Where, When, How Often, and How Much?
6. Where Your Child Receives Services: Placement/Least Restrictive Environment
7. Everyone Gets Tested: Participation in State and District-wide Assessments
8. Preparing for Graduation: Transition Planning
9. Just for Your Child: Consideration of Special Factors