Obtaining an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can help you find the education that meets your child’s special needs. Before securing this, understanding its process is a must. Doing so can help you better advocate for your child and ensure they receive the education they deserve.
To help you prepare appropriately, here are the five key steps involved in the IEP process.
Referral or request for evaluation
In California, the state conducts Child Find activities to identify and evaluate children with disabilities. This strategy allows agents to assess who needs special education services.
Besides that, you can request an evaluation with your child’s teacher. Educators may also ask for your written or verbal consent to determine if your child has a disability.
Evaluation and determination
An evaluator will gauge your child’s academic and functional abilities through tests, observations and interviews with parents and teachers. This data will help qualified professionals to determine eligibility, with decisions following the guidelines as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
IEP meeting and drafting
Upon determining a child’s disabilities, developing the IEP is the next step. The IEP team will meet to discuss the following aspects:
- Objectives to measure your child’s progress
- Types of services and supports your child will receive
- Solutions for certain disagreements that occur during the meeting
An IEP team consists of you, your child’s educational instructors, a school district representative and a qualified professional who can interpret the data from the evaluation.
Implementation
If you agree to the drafted IEP, implementation takes place. During this step, you will receive progress reports outlining your child’s advancement.
Review and re-evaluation
At least once a year, the IEP team reviews your child’s performance. This can help you determine whether the program assisted your child in achieving the listed goals. You can also use this time to discuss concerns and desired changes to improve the IEP.
Every three years, re-evaluation must occur to gauge whether your child continues to be a child with disabilities. This determines if your child is still eligible to receive special education services.
What to do when disputes arise
The IEP process can be complex. While collaboration is ideal in IEP meetings, disputes can emerge. Hitting an impasse can be frustrating and delay your child from getting the support they need.
If you feel uncertain about your child’s IEP, learning more about IDEA can help you understand your child’s rights, and obtaining legal advice can offer clarity on the matter.