An Individualized Education Program (IEP) describes the educational program that has been designed to meet that child's unique needs.  Each child who receives special education and related services must have an IEP.  Each IEP must be designed for one student and must be a truly individualized document.  The IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when age 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.

Remember:  Parents are a very important part of the IEP team.

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document.  It establishes a plan for an individual student who meets the eligibility criteria:

The IEP document contains several parts.  It should include and indicate:

• The student's eligibility and how it affects learning
• The student's strengths and parent concerns
• The "present levels of performance" or what the student can do and what he/she needs to learn in all areas including academics, communication, fine and gross motor skills, vocational skills, health and development and more
• Goals and objectives with baseline performance for each goal.  Goals and objectives should be based on the child's needs, be time specific and measurable
• Classroom and testing accommodations and modifications
• Related services, if any
• A behavioral plan, if needed
• Specify the amount and kinds of services offered based on the student's needs
• Signatures of all members of the team that were present at the meeting

All children in the United States have the right to receive a free and appropriate education.