Does your child need an IEP?
Does your child need an IEP?
If your child is struggling in school, you may be wondering what support they need to succeed.
While you were researching, you may have come across the Individualized Education Plan
(IEP). But how to know if this is the right option? If your child is struggling or underperforming in
school, then it is important that you intervene early to keep problems from getting worse. School
years go by quickly, and a child can fall behind in a matter of weeks without the right support.
An Individualized Education Plan is developed to help ensure that a child with an identified
disability who is in public school receives specialized instruction and related services to assist in
the child’s success. The IEP is developed by a team of individuals from various educational
disciplines, the child with a disability, family members, and/or designated advocates.
An IEP typically includes the following:
● The involvement and progress of the child with a disability in the general curriculum.
● All related services for which the child qualifies.
● Appropriate educational accommodations necessary for the child to be successful.
● The child's present levels of educational performance.
● Measurable annual goals and objectives for the child's education.
If you believe that your child would benefit from an IEP, you must request an evaluation from the
school. Anyone can request an evaluation for the child, a parent or a teacher. However, the
school must have parental consent in order to conduct the evaluation. According to IDEA, the
school has 60 days to complete the evaluation. Some states have shortened that to 30 or 45
days. But for most, it is 60. Once they have evaluated the child, they then have 30 days to draw
up an IEP. This is why it is essential to put your request in writing as soon as you think you
might want this for your child. The three month waiting period is a great reason to get this
process started as soon as possible.
In order for your child to qualify for an IEP, they must have one of 13 disabilities listed in the
IDEA and have been evaluated and identified as needing special accommodations in order to
learn the general school curriculum. Having one of the 13 disabilities alone doesn't qualify your
child for an IEP. The disability must cause significant interference with your child's ability to
learn the standard curriculum.
To learn more about the IEP process and if it’s the right step for your child, schedule a free 15
minute consultation with me!
About the author
Charitie Carpenter
Family education is my passion! I have 10+ years of experience working with families and adolescents aged 0-18 and I have my certification in Family Life Education. Whether your family needs help with situations in the home, at school, or anything in between, I am here for you.