Each public school child who receives special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Each IEP must be designed for one student and must be a truly individualized document. The IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve educational results for children with disabilities. The IEP is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability.

The actual IEP meeting is when the child’s IEP is developed. The meeting is held with the child’s parents or caregivers, school personnel and when appropriate, the child herself. The meeting determines what special accommodations will be made in the child’s school environment that will help her get more out of the school experience.

What should be in the IEP:

• A statement of the child’s current level of educational performance.
• Annual goals
• Short term objectives to reach the annual goals
• Description of the services to be provided
• Explanation of the extent to which the child will participate in regular educational programs
• The projected date when services will start and the anticipated duration of services
• Criteria for determining whether goals and objectives have been met.

For more information on Individual Education Plans, go to the U.S. Department of Educations IDEA page.