IEP

An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legal document that outlines a plan for providing special education services to a child in public school: 

• Purpose

  IEPs ensure that students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum and the support they need to succeed. 

• Who's eligible

  A child is eligible for an IEP if they have a disability that adversely affects their school performance and falls under one of 13 disability categories. 

• How it's created

  The IEP is developed after a child's evaluation by an IEP team that includes the child's parents. The team reviews the evaluation and other information to determine if the child is eligible for special education services. If so, they work together to create the IEP. 

• What's included

  The IEP includes information about the student's learning needs, accommodations, and specialized services. 

• How it's reviewed

  IEPs are reviewed annually to track the child's progress.

• What happens if parents disagree

  If parents disagree with the IEP, they can discuss their concerns with the IEP team, ask for mediation, or file a complaint with the state education agency. 

Here are some other things to know about IEPs:

• Most children who receive special education services through an IEP are in the same classroom as other children. 
• Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) are support services that can be provided to students with IEPs.
• https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/individualized-education-program-iep#:~:text=New%20York%20State%20(NYS)%20regulations,Committee%20on%20Preschool%20Special%20Education.