When it comes to education, every child deserves the best possible support to reach their full potential. For students with disabilities, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can make all the difference. At Kienhoc, we believe that every child has the right to a quality education. That’s why we’re here to help you understand what an IEP is, who it’s for, and how it can benefit your child. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about IEPs, from the basics to the benefits. So, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone else who works with children with disabilities, read on to learn more about IEPs and how they can help.
I. IEP Stands For
Definition of IEP
An IEP, or individualized education program, is a legal document that outlines the educational needs of a child with a disability. It is created through a team effort that includes the child’s parents, teachers, and other specialists. The IEP describes the child’s current educational performance, annual goals, and the specific educational services that the child will receive to help them reach those goals.Learn more about the types and causes of special education services
Components of an IEP
An IEP typically includes the following components:
- The child’s present levels of performance (PLP)
- The child’s annual goals
- The specific educational services that the child will receive
- The frequency and duration of those services
- A statement of how the child’s progress will be measured
| IEP Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Present Levels of Performance (PLP) | A description of the child’s current academic and functional performance, including their strengths and weaknesses. |
| Annual Goals | Measurable goals that are developed for the child each year, based on their individual needs and strengths. |
| Specific Educational Services | A description of the specific educational services that the child will receive, such as special instruction, related services, and accommodations. |
| Frequency and Duration of Services | The frequency and duration of the services that the child will receive, such as daily, weekly, or monthly. |
| Progress Monitoring | A description of how the child’s progress will be measured, such as through assessments, observations, or work samples. |
The IEP is a living document that is reviewed and updated on a regular basis, typically once a year. This ensures that the child’s IEP continues to meet their needs and that they are making progress towards their goals.Click here to find out the reasons IEPs are necessary individualized plans
II. What is an IEP
What is an IEP?
An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legal document that outlines the educational needs of a child with a disability. It is developed by a team of people, including the child’s parents, teachers, and other professionals, and it describes the child’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, annual goals, and the specific educational services that the child will receive to help them make progress towards those goals.IEPs are required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that ensures that all children with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education. IEPs are designed to be individualized to meet the unique needs of each child, and they are reviewed and updated annually to ensure that the child is making progress towards their goals.
Who is eligible for an IEP?
Children who have a disability that affects their ability to learn and benefit from the general education curriculum are eligible for an IEP. Disabilities that may qualify a child for an IEP include:
- Intellectual disabilities
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Speech or language impairments
- Physical disabilities
- Emotional or behavioral disorders
- Specific learning disabilities
What are the benefits of an IEP?
IEPs can provide a number of benefits for children with disabilities, including:
- Increased access to educational opportunities
- Improved academic achievement
- Enhanced social and emotional development
- Greater independence and self-sufficiency
- A smoother transition to adulthood
If you think your child may be eligible for an IEP, talk to your child’s teacher or school principal. They can help you determine if an IEP is right for your child and can help you get the process started.Learn more about IEPs
What are the different components of an IEP?
An IEP typically includes the following components:
- The child’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance
- The child’s annual goals
- The specific educational services that the child will receive
- The frequency and duration of the services
- The location where the services will be provided
- The person or persons who will provide the services
- A statement of how the child’s progress towards their goals will be measured
- A statement of how the child’s parents will be involved in the development and implementation of the IEP
The IEP team will work together to develop an IEP that meets the unique needs of the child. The IEP is a living document, and it should be reviewed and updated annually to ensure that the child is making progress towards their goals.Learn more about IEPs for children with learning disabilities
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Present levels of academic achievement and functional performance | A description of the child’s current academic and functional skills |
| Annual goals | Goals that the child is expected to achieve within a year |
| Specific educational services | The services that the child will receive to help them achieve their goals |
| Frequency and duration of services | How often and for how long the child will receive services |
| Location of services | Where the child will receive services |
| Person or persons who will provide services | Who will provide the child with services |
| Measurement of progress | How the child’s progress towards their goals will be measured |
| Parent involvement | How the child’s parents will be involved in the development and implementation of the IEP |
III. Who Would Need An IEP
Students with Disabilities
An IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. It is a legal document that is developed for students with disabilities who need special education services. The IEP outlines the student’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, annual goals, and the specific educational services that the student will receive to help them make progress towards those goals.Students with disabilities who may need an IEP include those with:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Deaf-blindness
- Deafness
- Emotional disturbance
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment
- Other health impairment
- Specific learning disability
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual impairment
Students at Risk of Failing
Students who are at risk of failing may also need an IEP. These students may have difficulty with academics, behavior, or social skills. An IEP can provide these students with the support they need to succeed in school.
Students with Giftedness
Students with giftedness may also need an IEP. These students may need special services to help them reach their full potential. An IEP can provide these students with the support they need to succeed in school and beyond.
| Type of Disability | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Autism spectrum disorder | A developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction | A student with autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty understanding social cues, making eye contact, and communicating with others. |
| Deaf-blindness | A combination of hearing and visual impairments that can make it difficult to communicate and learn | A student with deaf-blindness may use sign language, braille, or other assistive technology to communicate and learn. |
| Deafness | A hearing loss that can make it difficult to understand speech and other sounds | A student with deafness may use sign language, lip reading, or other assistive technology to communicate and learn. |
IV. IEPs and the Law
IEPs are legal documents that are created to ensure that students with disabilities receive the special education and related services they need to make progress in school. IEPs are created through a team process that includes the student’s parents, teachers, and other professionals who work with the student.
The law that governs IEPs is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA is a federal law that was first enacted in 1975. IDEA has been amended several times over the years, most recently in 2004.
| Year | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1975 | IDEA is first enacted. |
| 1986 | IDEA is amended to include students with disabilities from birth to age 21. |
| 1990 | IDEA is amended to include students with disabilities who are incarcerated. |
| 1997 | IDEA is amended to include students with disabilities who are homeless. |
| 2004 | IDEA is amended to include students with disabilities who are in foster care. |
IDEA requires that IEPs be developed for all students with disabilities who are receiving special education services. IEPs must be reviewed and updated at least once a year. IEPs must include the following information:
- The student’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance.
- The student’s annual goals.
- The specific educational services that the student will receive.
- The dates when the services will be provided.
- The criteria that will be used to evaluate the student’s progress.
IEPs are important legal documents that help to ensure that students with disabilities receive the special education and related services they need to succeed in school. Parents of students with disabilities should be involved in the IEP process and should make sure that their child’s IEP is appropriate and meets their child’s needs.
Here are some additional resources on IEPs and the law:
