FAQ

A: An IEP is the written document reviewed each year that determines the services, accommodations, and modifications that your child will receive. If a service or accommodation is written into the IEP, your child must receive it.

A: Every child who receives special education services in a publically funded school, including publicly funded charter schools.

A: IEP’s are held at least once a year but if you have a concern you can request a meeting at any time. Click here to see a Sample Letter for requesting an IEP.

A: The IEP team, composed of the parents or guardians, the student, your child’s teachers, a general education teacher, and someone from the district decide what goes into your child’s IEP. The team may also include others at the request of the parents or the school.

A: The team meets in order to:

• Describe where your child is now in terms of academic and functional performance areas
• Develop long-term goals for your child to achieve during the year
• Identify short-term steps for your child to help accomplish the goals
• Decide how the team will know when the child has met the goals
• Identify special instruction and related services that your child will receive to help them meet the goals including the amount of time your child will receive specialized instruction
• Discuss accommodations that will help your child meet the goals

A: You may table a meeting to request additional time to complete an IEP.

A: Gather all of your child’s records and evaluations, make a list of questions or concerns you would like to discuss, identify a person (Family member/friend) to take notes during the IEP meeting

A: Initial evaluations must be completed within 60 calendar days of the time that you give permission to evaluate. Here is a Sample Letter requesting an evaluation.

A: Once every 3 years.

A: Parents have the right to obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) conducted by a qualified outside specialist not at no cost to the parent. See Sample Letter requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation.

A: An educational evaluation is not the same as a diagnosis by a medical professional. Schools typically require their own evaluations but may use some testing information from outside professionals.

A: The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) defines 13 disabilities may qualify a child for special education.

• Autism
• Deaf-blindness
• Deafness
• Emotional disturbance
• Hearing impairment
• Intellectual disability
• Multiple disabilities
• Orthopedic impairment
• Other health impairment (including ADHD)
• Specific learning disability (including dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, and other learning issues)
• Speech or language impairment
• Traumatic brain injury
• Visual impairment, including blindness

A: Children who are not eligible for special education services may still receive services through a 504 Plan, which provides services and accommodations to children with disabilities or other medical conditions.

A: 60 days from the time you give permission for the evaluation.

A: At least once a year or more often if you or an IEP team member requests a meeting.

A: At least every 3 years.