Defining Terminology: IEP

A lot of us within the realm of special needs parenting are barraged with… all kinds of things: terminology, definitions, diagnoses, prognoses, therapies, medications, and meetings (and more meetings.) A lot of us (and by a lot of us, I am referring to me, myself, and I) are basically just coasting along, trying to advocate for our children, but lets face it – we're not professionals, and we're just trying to keep our heads above water while doing the best for our children.

So, I thought I'd just pick out a term, and define it for you. Today's term: IEP. If you have school aged children who need any kind of additional help in school, you've heard the term. While you know it's "The School Plan" – I thought I'd give you some additional information. Especially since you sign on the dotted line that you've received and agreed to it, and it's important to know what you're putting your good word on.

An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan, and is mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This requires public schools to develop an IEP for every student with a disability that meets the federal and state requirements for special education… It's sort of a way to catch your child, so they don't fall through the cracks, and for the education system be required to help your child.

In order to come up with this plan, the child is assessed in all areas that they (your teacher, school counselor, you, etc.) think your child may have actual problems in. This could mean the classroom itself, this could mean developmental stuff, this could mean specific subjects (like reading or math.)

Basically – it's school, with a twist, and the twist helps your student succeed to the best of their ability. It's tailor-made for your specific child, based on your child's needs. In my personal case for my oldest son, his IEP takes into account special education for reading and math, and also takes into account counseling sessions for his behavior therapy. It allows him to leave the class to go to special education classes, but it does not restrict him from any kind of classroom participation (unless, of course, it happens while he's not there.) His IEP outlines everything goal wise – down to how many sentences on his own he should be able to write by the end of the year.

Remember, though, an IEP does not take the place of medical supervision and care. Doctors are not a part of the IEP program unless their knowledge is needed to come up with a safe plan. This is education based, not medically based.

From Wikipedia: The IDEA 2004 requires that an IEP must be written according to the needs of one student, and it must include the following:

• The child's present levels of academic and functional performance
• Measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals
• How the child's progress toward meeting the annual goals are to be measured and reported to the parents
• Special education services, related services, and supplementary aids to be provided to the child
• Schedule of services to be provided, including when the services are to begin, the frequency, duration and location for the provision of services
• Program modifications or supports provided to school personnel on behalf of the child
• Explanation of any time the child will not participate along with nondisabled children
• Accommodations to be provided during state and district assessments that are necessary to the measuring child's academic and functional performance

Additionally, when the student is 16, a statement of post-secondary goals and a plan for providing what the student needs to make a successful transition is required. This transitional plan can be created at an earlier age if desired.

IEPs also include other pertinent information found necessary by the team, such as a health plan or a behavior plan for some students.

So who is the team that comes up with the IEP? Well, the parents, of course, the special education teacher at the school, a regular education teacher, and a rep for the school, which is usually the counselor. You can also have others involved. In my case, we got a county social worker involved, and an outside state sponsored therapist is involved as well. It helps for a more rounded IEP, and everyone's on the same page. You might also have an advocate or attorney involved. If you feel that you're not being consulted or the IEP goes against your wishes, then absolutely bring in an advocate or attorney.

An IEP also includes meetings (sometimes a lot of meetings) to set up and then maintain the IEP. As time goes by, changes might need to be made to better suit your child's progress, or lack of progress. The IEP can be updated at any time (with your approval.) There's usually a meeting for the changes. There's also a meeting at the end of the year to debrief the previous year, and make changes for the upcoming year.

Remember… The IEP is your friend. It gets your child the help he or she needs, it helps provide an education for your child in a fashion that your child can actually receive it, and it protects them legally in the educational system.

Some Places to get more specific information on IEP's:

• LDOnline's IEP page
• Wikipedia's IEP page
• KidsHealth IEP page
• Wrightslaw IEP page

Michele is a new contributor here at Healthy Bliss, and can be found harrassing people at Sparks and Butterflies. She is currently caring for her two special needs kids, as well as her elderly parents next door, along with her husband and two cats. Please send help.