The purpose of an IEP meeting is to develop a written document describing your child’s educational needs. If the IEP team determines at the IEP meeting that your child needs special education services, the IEP document will describe those services.

What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

A federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that public schools create an IEP for every child receiving special education services. Kids from age 3 through high school graduation or a maximum age of 22 (whichever comes first) may be eligible for an IEP.

The IEP is meant to address each child’s unique learning issues and include specific educational goals. It is a legally binding document. The school must provide everything it promises in the IEP.

Here’s a quick look at what an IEP must include, by law:

• A statement of your child’s present level of performance (PLOP)—this is how your child is doing in school now
• Your child’s annual educational goals
• Special education supports and services that the school will provide to help your child reach goals
• Modifications and accommodations the school will provide to help your child make progress
• Accommodations your child will be allowed when taking standardized tests
• How and when the school will measure your child’s progress toward annual goals
• Transition planning that prepares teens for life after high school

What are the important timelines for IEP meetings?

15 business days– Within 15 business days after your written request for a special education assessment is received by the District, the District must develop an Assessment Plan. You will receive the Assessment Plan from your child’s school.

60 business days– After you sign the special education Assessment Plan allowing assessment of your child, an IEP meeting must be held within 60 calendar days from the date the District receives your signed consent (school breaks lasting five or more days are not included in the 60 days).

30 business days– If your child already has an IEP and is not making satisfactory progress, or for any other reason, you or a school staff member may request an IEP meeting before the regularly scheduled review date. The meeting must be held within 30 calendar days (excluding school breaks over five days) of the receipt of the request.

30 business days– Students new to the District, who receive special education services, must have an IEP meeting held within  30 days.

How are parents notified about the IEP meeting?

School staff will hold the IEP meeting at a date and time agreeable to you and to the other participants in the IEP meeting. You will receive a Notification to Parent/Guardian to Participate in Individualized Education Program Meeting form to be signed by you and returned.