Navigating the IEP process- a step by step guide for parents

When you are a parent concerned about your child’s academic skills or their development, the IEP process or an evaluation can be a scary thing! The good news is, it doesn’t have to be.

IEPs are the acronym for Individualized Education Program, and the document itself is a legal document that the school or district agrees to follow (with the parent’s support) on what service, supports, and accommodations to provide a student aged 3 - 21 (or birth through 3 if it is an IFSP and an early intervention child). There are certain steps that need to be completed by the parent and the district in order for the IEP to be created and signed by all parties.

The first step is the initial referral. This can be done by the parent or by the school with the permission of the parent. As a parent you have the right to request an evaluation (academic evaluation or a specific evaluation, such as a physical therapy evaluation or to get an assistive tech device like AAC). The parent can submit to the district (usually the school psychologist) a written request and the school/district has 20 days to hold a meeting to determine if the evaluation will occur. In the state of NJ, the school district has the right to recommend other pre referral services (such as RTI) instead of granting the evaluation request.

If the school is making the request to evaluate your child, you will grant them permission to do so in writing before the evaluation occurs. The school will detail to you which evaluations will occur (PT, speech therapy, vision or hearing services, etc) prior to the evaluation taking place.

Once the evaluations are complete, an IEP meeting will be held. There are certain required team members to an IEP meeting, and exactly who is required to attend will vary by state and school district. For example, in the state of New York, initial IEP meetings will include a school psychologist, district representative, and may include other professionals such as a special education teacher or the school’s Speech Language Pathologist. Don’t forget- as the parent, you are a part of the multidisciplinary team for the IEP process!

During the meeting, the school representative will outline which services and supports your child is eligible for, as well as other supports like testing accommodations. The parent and school will agree on services (and the frequency of said supports, as well as goals for treatment). Once the meeting is complete, the school will provide the parent with the report in writing after it is signed by all parties.

Whenever you would like your child reevaluated or would like all services revoked, you can also do so via writing. Here is a helpful document provided by New Jersey State on the special education process geared towards educating parents:

https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/parents/ParentalRightsinSpecialEducation2023.pdf