Key Takeaways:

• IEP is a legal document that outlines the specific types of education and services that your child's school will provide.
• Any child over the age of three who attends public school, including charter schools, and needs additional services should have an IEP.
• Getting an IEP is a process that begins with observing your child and any developmental delays they have. The process involves working with a team of teachers and other professionals.
• An IEP advocate is an expert in the process and can be brought in if you’re feeling overwhelmed or your concerns aren’t being addressed. They will set goals for your child’s education and development to get everyone on the same page.

While wading through the mountains of information available about your child's education, you'll likely see the term IEP come up frequently. It's easy to be confused by all of the information about IEPs and the process to get one. An IEP provides you, your child, and their professional team with a roadmap for success and puts everyone on the same page concerning your child’s education and development.

What Is an IEP?

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document that outlines the specific types of education and services that your child's school will provide.5 This plan provides a picture of your child's current educational progress, along with measurable goals and the different milestones to help them achieve their goals. This plan is intended to be your child’s plan for an entire school year, but the goals and other information can be reviewed as often as necessary to make sure your child is getting the help they need.

An IEP will also include all of the services your child qualifies for. Your child's IEP should be a truly individualized plan, working with your child's teachers, service providers, and you to ensure that all of your child's educational, emotional, and social needs are being met.

Who Is Eligible for IEPs?

Any child over the age of three who attends public school, including charter schools, and needs additional services should have an IEP. This includes any child with a diagnosis covered under the  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).6

IDEA is special education law guaranteeing that children who learn differently will have the same access to education as their peers.2 Not every child who struggles in school will be qualified under this law, however. Children must be diagnosed with one of the 13 conditions provided for in the law, and they must show that their performance in school is negatively affected by their condition. This covers children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many other health and education challenges.

Children under three who miss developmental milestones may be able to receive services under IDEA through early intervention. Parents can be connected to specialists who will work with their children, either at home or in the community, to address the specific skills that may be delayed.

Private schools don't offer IEPs, as they're not included in IDEA and aren't required to offer special education.1 Students at private schools may still be able to get help through something similar, called an Individual Services Plan (ISP). These students will also get a service plan through their local education agency (LEA), not through the school itself. LEAs manage services and funding for their local schools, and IDEA requires these agencies to set aside funds to help private school students who aren't able to access special education through their schools.

IEPs also don't extend into college, regardless of whether a student attends a public or private college. Most colleges do offer services and accommodations to students through their own disability offices. If your child is in college and needs assistance, this is the office you'll want to contact.

What's In an IEP?

A good, comprehensive IEP includes the following:

• Present levels of performance (PLP): The PLP describes your child's specific, measurable baseline academic performance for every aspect of their education affected by ASD.
• Goals: These are what your child can reasonably be expected to accomplish during 12 months with specialized education and assistance. The goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-limited (SMART). These goals can be changed and updated as often as necessary as your child makes progress in school and other programs.