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An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan developed for each student who qualifies for special education. It describes the special help your child will receive at school and how that help is designed to support their learning and participation in school activities. An IEP is legally required and is built around your child’s unique strengths and needs. 

🧩 What Are the Main Parts of an IEP?

Every IEP includes several key components. These help make sure the plan is clear, measurable, and meaningful for your child’s success.

1. Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance

This section describes how your child is doing right now in school — both academically (like reading or math) and functionally (like communication, behavior, social skills, or daily activities). It answers: What does your child do well now, and what challenges do they have? 

2. Measurable Annual Goals

Goals are what your child is expected to learn or achieve in the upcoming year. They are written in a way that can be measured so you can see how your child is progressing. These goals are based on your child’s needs and focus on important skills.

3. How Progress Will Be Measured & Reported

This section explains how and when you will hear about your child’s progress on their goals — for example, through quarterly reports, progress tracking, or goal updates.

4. Special Education and Related Services

The IEP lists the specific services your child will receive, such as:

• Specially designed instruction

• Speech or language therapy

• Occupational or physical therapy

• Assistive technology, or other support

5. Where, When, and How Long Services Are Provided

For each service, the IEP must include:

• Start and end dates

• Amount and frequency (how many minutes/hours, and how often)

• Location (in general education class, special education, etc.)

This helps you clearly understand what your child’s school day will look like. 

6. Participation with Students Without Disabilities

This part explains to what extent your child will be in general education classrooms and activities with students who don’t have disabilities. If your child will spend time outside general education, the IEP must explain why and describe the supports they will receive. 

7. Accommodations and Modifications for Assessments

If your child takes state or district tests, the IEP will list any accommodations (like extra time or different formats) they need so the tests fairly show what they know. 

8. Transition Planning (for Older Students)

Beginning by age 14 (or earlier if appropriate), the IEP must include transition planning — goals and services to help your child get ready for life after high school, including work, further education, or independent living.

🤝 Your Role as a Parent

Parents are important members of the IEP team. You help share what you see at home, express priorities, and partner with school staff to create a plan that truly meets your child’s needs.

📌 Final Notes

• The IEP must be reviewed and updated at least once a year. 

• You should receive a copy of the IEP in a language and format you can understand.

• You always have the right to ask questions, request changes, or bring supporters to your IEP meeting.

🧩 Understanding the Roles of Your Child’s IEP Team

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is more than just a document- it’s a team effort. At the heart of every IEP meeting is a group of professionals and family members working together to support your child’s unique needs. Understanding each person’s role can help you feel more confident and informed during the IEP process.

Who’s on the IEP Team and What Do They Do?

Here’s a quick overview of the key team members and their responsibilities:

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent or Guardian

Your Role: Expert on Your Child
As a parent, you know your child best. You bring valuable insight into their strengths, challenges, and what works at home. You are an equal partner in the decision-making process and your voice is essential.

👩‍🏫 Case Manager

Their Role: Coordinator and Point of Contact
The case manager is often a special education teacher who oversees your child’s IEP. They ensure the plan is followed, track progress, coordinate services, and communicate with both school staff and families.

🏫 Local Education Agency (LEA) Representative

Their Role: School District Authority
This is usually a principal or director of pupil services/special education director. The LEA representative ensures that the IEP follows legal guidelines and that the school can provide the services listed. They also approve decisions made in the meeting.

📘 General Education Teacher

Their Role: Classroom Insight and Support
The general education teacher shares how your child is doing in the regular classroom and helps design supports and accommodations so your child can succeed alongside their peers.

✏️ Special Education Teacher

Their Role: Instruction and Support
The special education teacher provides specially designed instruction and helps adapt materials or teaching methods. They also work directly with your child and help track progress toward IEP goals.

🗣️ Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Their Role: Communication and Language Support
If your child has speech or language needs, the SLP helps with skills like understanding directions, expressing thoughts, or improving social communication. They may provide direct therapy or classroom strategies.

✋🦶Occupational Therapist (OT) and/or Physical Therapist (PT)

Their Role: Movement and Daily Life Skills
OTs help children with fine motor skills (like writing, cutting, or using tools) and skills for daily routines. PTs focus on movement and mobility—things like walking, balance, and strength. They ensure your child can access and participate in school activities safely and independently.

🧠 Other Specialists (School Psychologist, Interventionist, etc.)

Their Role: Evaluation and Strategy
These team members may provide assessments, develop behavior plans, or offer recommendations based on their expertise to help your child succeed. A school psychologist may also serve as LEA. 

🎓 Student (When Appropriate)

Their Role: Self-Advocate
As children grow, their input becomes more important. Students are encouraged to attend IEP meetings when appropriate—especially as they approach middle or high school. They can share their goals, interests, and what helps them learn best.

👩‍🤝‍👩 Paraprofessional

Their Role: Classroom Support and Connection

Paraprofessionals work closely with your child—often providing daily support in the classroom or during specific activities. They help reinforce skills, assist with accommodations, and provide one-on-one or small-group support as directed by the special education teacher. Paraprofessionals also play an important role in promoting independence and helping your child stay engaged and included throughout the school day.

🤝 Working Together

Each member of the IEP team plays a unique and important role. When families and schools work together, great things can happen for children. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share concerns, or celebrate successes. You are a vital part of the team!