The Individualized Education Program (IEP) process is a series of steps that help determine if a child needs special education services and then create a plan to meet his/her needs.
7 STEPS TO THE IEP PROCESS
7 STEPS TO THE IEP PROCESS
STEP 1 - REFERRAL
A referral is made for a special education evaluation. This formal evaluation is conducted by the service providers (teacher, therapist, psychologist, etc.) with the help of the parent(s). The parent(s) must give written, informed consent. What this means is that the parent(s) understand that they are allowing their child to be evaluated to determine whether she/he has a disability that affects educational performance.
STEP 2 - EVALUATION
The child is evaluated to determine if they have a disability and need special education. This initial comprehensive, individualized assessment of the student is conducted in all areas of concern, including both academic and functional performance. The data collected during this step form the foundation upon which the IEP will be developed.
Timeline: The evaluation must be conducted within 60 days of receiving parental consent or within your states established timelines.
STEP 3 - ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION
The IEP team meets to decide if the child is eligible for special education services. At this point, the student’s evaluation results are reviewed with an eye toward answering a pair of key questions, does the student have a disability and does that disability affect academic and/or functional performance. If the answer is yes to both questions, the student is considered eligible for special education services.
STEP 4 - IEP MEETING
The IEP team meets to develop the IEP. The team includes the child’s parents, teachers, and other specialists. During the meeting, the student’s academic and/or functional needs are discussed along with determining measurable annual goals. The services and supports the student will receive is also discussed.
Timeline: The meeting must be conducted within 30 days of the eligibility determination.
STEP 5 - IEP IMPLEMENTATION & PROGRESS MONITORING
The IEP is implemented, and the child receives the special education services outlined in the plan. Progress is monitored. If the student does not make appropriate progress, the IEP team meets to determine possible reasons for lack of progress and make adjustments accordingly.
Timeline: The implementation must take place as soon as possible after the IEP is developed.
STEP 6 - ANNUAL REVIEW
The student’s progress toward IEP goals is to be evaluated annually, unless the IEP team and parents agree otherwise. Also discussed is student’s current performance, progress, needs, and placement are revisited and the IEP updated accordingly.
Timeline: The annual review must occur within 12 months following the development of the previous IEP.
STEP 7 - REEVALUATION
The IEP is re-evaluated every three years, unless the IEP team members and the student’s parents agree otherwise. The purpose of the re-evaluation is to determine if the student continues to qualify for special education services, and what those services continue to look like. A re-evaluation entails another comprehensive individualized evaluation.
Timeline: A re-evaluation occurs every three years.