The process of getting an IEP begins with an evaluation for special education. It ends with a written plan for services and supports. Learn more about the steps in this guide.
Updated January 11, 2024
The more you know about how to get an IEP and how it’s put into place, the more active a role you can take in the process. Keep reading to learn about the steps to getting an IEP and starting your child’s special education program.
Many parents wonder how to request an IEP from their school. You actually don’t need to request an IEP. But you do need to ask to have your child evaluated by the school, for free. You can also pay for a private evaluation.
Sometimes the school will start the IEP process, and not you. They may suggest that your child be evaluated. But they can’t evaluate your child without your consent.
Once your child has been evaluated and testing results are in, the school has to determine if your child is eligible for an IEP. To do this, they have to answer two questions:
The IEP team decides if your child qualifies for an IEP at an “eligibility meeting.” You’ll be at that meeting as part of the team. School professionals like a speech-language therapist or an occupational therapist might be there too.
If the school finds that your child is eligible, together you’ll start creating the IEP. And if your child doesn’t qualify for an IEP, there are steps you can take.
Sometimes, a school finds that a student is not eligible for special education services. If this happens, you have a few options and legal rights.
One thing you can do is request a 504 plan for your child. Like an IEP, this plan would provide accommodations or other supports that give your child access to learning.
You can also look into getting an independent educational evaluation (IEE). Professionals outside of the school do this kind of evaluation.
There are also measures you can take to dispute the school’s findings, like mediation. Or you can file a due process complaint.
Use this visual guide to see how kids meet eligibility requirements for special education.
IEP roadmap: How kids gets special education PDF - 117.0 KB
