Sage-Tips

What triggers an IEP?

In order for a child or teen to get 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. 1 Having one of the 13 disabilities alone doesn’t qualify your child for an IEP.

What is the earliest a child can have an IEP?

3 years old
You don’t have to wait until your child starts school to ask about learning differences or developmental delays. Even infants and toddlers can get help through early intervention. A child must be 3 years old to qualify for an IEP.

Why do students with disabilities need an IEP?

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.

What qualifies a child for a speech IEP?

Part 30 Special Education Programs (in CA Special Education Programs – A Composite of Laws) Education Code Section 56333 states that: A pupil shall be assessed as having a language or speech disorder which makes him or her eligible for special education and related services when he or she demonstrates difficulty …

What is an IEP and its purpose?

An Individualized Education Plan (or Program) is also known as an IEP. This is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child with an identified disability who is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services.

Does speech fall under 504 or IEP?

You could consult a private speech-language pathologist (SLP). You could also pursue a 504 plan. A 504 plan is similar to an IEP. However, it’s covered under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, not the IDEA law.

Is speech therapy considered an IEP?

The IEP includes evaluation, reevaluation, and the assessments of children who need special services such as a speech therapy pathologist. Often, parents who have special needs children such as speech therapy are unfamiliar with this mandate and the corresponding regulations.

What happens if I don’t agree with IEP?

Refuse to sign the IEP. In most states this means the school can’t do the things in the IEP. If you don’t sign the IEP, the school can use it anyway. But they must tell you in writing that they are starting the IEP. AND they must wait 14 days before they start using the IEP.

Who should have access to my child’s IEP?

The special education law specifically states that teachers, related services providers, and others who work with the child must have easy access to the child’s IEP. This is the only way the adults will know the student’s needs and what the adults need to do to meet the child’s needs. When you work with administrators, you try to be diplomatic.

Should I lock away my child’s IEP to protect confidentiality?

Many school administrators are woefully ignorant about confidentiality, often advising staff that IEPs should locked away so no one can see them. This is NOT legally correct. The special education law specifically states that teachers, related services providers, and others who work with the child must have easy access to the child’s IEP.

What is the difference between an IEP and individual education program?

An IEP is a Federal document that is followed in the classroom. An Individual Education Program is made with help from teachers, parents, and doctors to manage the educational needs of a children that has significant disadvantage in 2 different areas of development.

Can I “recess” an IEP meeting and reconvene a later time?

There may be times when you want to “recess” the IEP meeting and reconvene at a later time. Maybe the school doesn’t give you your child’s testing and assessment results until the start of the meeting, and you need more time to read through the results. Or the teacher who has detailed knowledge of your child is absent the day of the meeting.