Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that guarantees an individualized education program for children with special needs. It ensures that each child receives an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) for a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).
Individual Education Program
The IEP is the heart of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s provisions, a detailed document that is an individualized plan for your child’s unique needs. It includes the following components:
Your child’s disabling condition
Present levels of performance
Goals that are appropriate to meet your child’s special education needs
Related services and placement that are appropriate so that your child can benefit from their education
Tips: Preparing for your Child's IEP
The IEP is the most important meeting in your child's education, and you, as the parent, have the opportunity to make a difference! In order to exercise your rights as an equal participant at this meeting, it is vitally important that you are prepared. The following items are tips to help you maximize your involvement in the IEP process:
Obtain any assessment reports before the meeting- Look for progress, identify needs, and review recommendations
Visit your child’s classroom and speak to the teacher about your child's progress and/or needs
Ask your child what is going well in school and what s/he would like to do better
Prepare a list of your child’s strengths and weaknesses
Review the goals from the current IEP and note any progress
Write down some goals you would like to see your child achieve in the coming year
Be prepared to support your ideas and requests with past IEPS, recent evaluations or medical information
Give at least 24 written notice to the school of your intent to tape record the meeting
Tips: Attendance at your Child's IEP
In order to better advocate for your child at the IEP meeting, consider the following tips:
You are an equal partner in the IEP process. Ask questions, offer suggestions and bring ideas to the meeting
Bring a trusted person (i.e. spouse, relative, or friend) as a support system
Be sure you have a thorough understanding of the assessment data that is provided
Make sure that all areas of your child's needs have been identified and discussed
Make sure that IEP goals are written for each area of need
Make sure that IEP goals are specific and measurable
Make sure that there are adequate services to address each of the IEP goals
Remember - You have the right to consent to only the part of the IEP that you agree with
Remember - You don't have to sign the IEP at the meeting. You can take it home and think it over before you sign it
Tape record the meeting
Web Resources: Education Links
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