IEP Cheat Sheet

Everything you need to know before, during, and after an IEP meeting.

Save or print this page to bring with you to your child's IEP meeting.

The Basics

What does IEP stand for?

Individualized Education Program. A legal plan that outlines the special education services your child will receive at school.

What law governs IEPs?

IDEA : Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. A federal law, so the same basic rights apply in every state.

Who qualifies?

Children ages 3 to 21 who have a qualifying disability and need special education services to benefit from school.

How often is it reviewed?

At least once a year. You can also request a meeting at any time if you feel something needs to change.

Do I have to sign at the meeting?

No. You can take the IEP home, review it, and ask questions before signing.

What Every IEP Must Include

  • Current levels of performance : where your child is right now
  • Annual goals : specific, measurable targets for the school year
  • Services the school will provide (speech therapy, OT, resource room, etc.)
  • How many hours per week each service will be provided
  • Accommodations and modifications (extended time, quiet testing, etc.)
  • How much time your child will spend in general education classes
  • How progress will be measured and how you will be informed
  • Transition planning (required starting at age 16)

Your Rights as a Parent

  • You must give written consent before the school evaluates your child
  • You can request an evaluation at any time : in writing
  • You must be invited to all IEP meetings with enough notice to attend
  • You can bring someone with you (advocate, therapist, family member)
  • You have the right to see all of your child's educational records
  • You can disagree with the IEP and request changes
  • If you and the school cannot agree, you can request mediation or a due process hearing
  • The school cannot change the IEP without your involvement

Questions to Ask at the Meeting

  • What specific goals are you setting for my child this year?
  • How will progress toward each goal be measured?
  • How many hours per week will my child receive each service?
  • Who will be providing the services, and what are their qualifications?
  • What accommodations does my child have in the classroom?
  • How and how often will you communicate with me about progress?
  • What happens if my child is not making progress toward a goal?
  • Are there services or supports we have not discussed that might help?

Important Timelines to Know

  • 60 days : School must complete the initial evaluation within 60 days of receiving written consent (some states vary)
  • 30 days : IEP must be in place within 30 days of the eligibility determination
  • 1 year : IEP must be reviewed and updated at least once every 12 months
  • 3 years : Full re-evaluation (triennial) required every 3 years to confirm continued eligibility

Key Terms Explained

IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act : the federal law that governs special education
FAPE Free Appropriate Public Education : every eligible child's right to special education at no cost
LRE Least Restrictive Environment : children should be educated alongside non-disabled peers as much as possible
ESY Extended School Year : services provided during summer or school breaks when regression is a concern
BIP Behavior Intervention Plan : a plan to address specific challenging behaviors with positive strategies
FBA Functional Behavior Assessment : an evaluation to understand the cause of a challenging behavior
OT Occupational Therapy : supports fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living activities
SLP / ST Speech-Language Pathologist / Speech Therapy : supports communication, language, and social skills
ABA Applied Behavior Analysis : a therapy approach that uses reinforcement to teach skills and reduce challenges
IEE Independent Educational Evaluation : an evaluation by an outside expert, which parents can request if they disagree with the school's evaluation
PWN Prior Written Notice : written notice the school must provide before changing (or refusing to change) your child's placement or services
PT Physical Therapy : supports gross motor skills, movement, and physical development

Want to learn more?

Read our full beginner's guide to IEPs, including what to expect at your first meeting and how to prepare.

Read the IEP Guide →