IEP Basics

What Is an IEP?

An IEP — Individualized Education Program — is a written plan that describes the special education services and supports your child will receive at school. If your child has been evaluated and found eligible for special education, the school must create an IEP. Think of it as a legal contract between you and the school: once the IEP is written and you consent to it, the school is required by law to provide everything in it.

The IEP is not just a piece of paperwork. It's the document that drives your child's education. It sets goals, describes services, and spells out exactly what the school must do to help your child learn. And you are a full, equal member of the team that creates it.

What Must Be in the IEP

Federal law requires every IEP to include specific components. Here's what to look for:

• Present levels of performance: A description of how your child is currently doing — academically, socially, behaviorally, and in any other area affected by their disability. This section should include data, not just opinions.
• Measurable annual goals: Clear, specific goals your child is expected to reach within one year. Each goal should describe what your child will do, how progress will be measured, and what level of performance is expected.
• Special education services: A description of the specialized instruction your child will receive, including how often, for how long, and where (in the general education classroom, in a separate setting, or a combination).
• Related services: Additional supports like speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, or transportation — whatever your child needs to benefit from their education.
• Accommodations and modifications: Changes to how your child is taught or tested. Accommodations change how your child accesses learning (like extra time on tests). Modifications change what your child is expected to learn (like simplified assignments).
• Placement: Where your child will receive services. The law requires that your child be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment — meaning alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
• Transition plan (age 16+): For older students, the IEP must include a plan for life after high school, including goals for education, employment, and independent living.

Who Must Attend the IEP Meeting

The IEP team is not just school staff. You are a required member. By law, the team must include:

• You (the parent). You know your child better than anyone. Your input matters, and the school cannot hold the meeting without you unless they've made multiple documented attempts to include you.
• At least one general education teacher (if your child is or may be in a general education classroom)
• At least one special education teacher or provider
• A district representative — someone from the school district who can commit resources and make decisions about services
• Someone who can interpret evaluation results — often the school psychologist
• Your child (when appropriate, and required by age 16 for transition planning)
• Anyone else you invite — you have the right to bring an advocate, a family member, a private therapist, or anyone else who has knowledge about your child

Your Rights as a Team Member

You are not a guest at the IEP meeting — you are an equal participant. Here's what that means:

• You can ask questions about anything you don't understand. If the team uses jargon, ask them to explain it in plain language.
• You can disagree. If you don't agree with a goal, a service, or a placement, say so. The IEP should reflect the team's discussion, including your input.
• You don't have to sign on the spot. You can take the IEP home, review it, and come back with questions. There is no law that says you must sign during the meeting.
• You can request changes. At any time during the year, you can request an IEP meeting to discuss changes to your child's plan. You don't have to wait for the annual review.
• You can record the meeting. In California, you have the right to audio-record the IEP meeting. Give the school at least 24 hours' notice.

The Annual Review

The IEP team must meet at least once a year to review and update the IEP. This is called the annual review. During this meeting, the team looks at your child's progress toward their goals, reviews current services, and makes changes as needed.

But you don't have to wait for the annual review. If something isn't working or your child's needs have changed, you can request an IEP meeting at any time by putting your request in writing.

Every three years, the school must conduct a full re-evaluation (called a triennial) to determine whether your child still qualifies for special education and whether the IEP needs significant changes.

What To Do Next

If You Disagree With the IEP

If the IEP team proposes something you disagree with — a goal, a service level, a placement — you have the right to express your disagreement. The school must provide you with Prior Written Notice any time they propose or refuse to change something in the IEP. This document must explain what the school is proposing (or refusing), why, and what other options were considered.

If you can't reach agreement, you have several options, including mediation, filing a compliance complaint, or requesting a due process hearing. You can learn more on our Dispute Resolution page.