IEPs and help at school
How special education works, how to ask for an evaluation, what goes in an IEP, and what to do if you disagree with the school.
What an IEP is
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a written plan for a student who gets special education. A federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), says every eligible child gets a free appropriate public education. That means teaching and services built for the student, at no cost to the family.
- Birth to age 3: early intervention. The plan is called an IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan). Services often happen at home.
- Age 3 until the student leaves high school (up to age 21 or 22, depending on the state): special education through the school district. The plan is the IEP.
Parents are equal members of the IEP team. So is the student, as they get older.
How to ask for an evaluation
- Write a letter or email to the school principal or special education director. Say: "I am asking for a full evaluation for special education for my child." Date it and keep a copy.
- The school asks for your written permission (consent). The evaluation cannot start until you sign.
- The school has a deadline. Under federal law the evaluation must be done within 60 days of consent, or your state's own deadline if it has one.
- The team meets to decide if your child is eligible. You get a copy of the evaluation report. You can ask for it before the meeting.
- If your child is eligible, the team writes the IEP. The first IEP meeting must happen within 30 days of the eligibility decision.
- Do you disagree with the evaluation? You can ask for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the school's cost.
What goes in an IEP
- Present levels: how the student is doing now, in school and in daily life.
- Annual goals that can be measured, and how progress will be reported to you.
- Services: special education, speech, occupational or physical therapy, counseling, transportation, and others. Each one says how often and for how long.
- Accommodations and supports: extra time, visual schedules, communication devices, a behavior plan built on positive supports.
- Time with other students: how much time the student spends in general education. The law says students learn with peers without disabilities as much as possible (the least restrictive environment).
- Transition plan by age 16 (younger in some states).
The IEP is reviewed at least once a year. The student is re-evaluated at least every three years. You can ask for an IEP meeting at any time.
IEP or 504 plan?
| IEP | 504 plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Law | IDEA | Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act |
| Who it is for | Students who need special teaching or services | Students with a disability who need changes to have equal access |
| What it gives | Teaching, services, and accommodations | Mostly accommodations, like extra time or a quiet room |
| Written plan | Yes, with legal steps and deadlines | Usually, but rules are lighter |
Planning for after high school
By the IEP in effect when the student turns 16, the IEP must include goals for life after school (work, more education, and living on their own where it fits) and the services to get there. Invite the student to every transition meeting.
- Ask about Pre-Employment Transition Services from your state vocational rehabilitation agency. They are for students with disabilities, usually ages 14 to 21.
- Ask the school about staying past senior year. Students in special education can keep services until they earn a regular diploma or age out (21 or 22 in most states).
- Look at inclusive college programs for students with intellectual disability.
- Read Turning 18 for the legal and money steps that come with adulthood.
If you disagree with the school
- Put it in writing and ask for an IEP meeting to talk about it.
- Ask for mediation. It is free and voluntary, with a neutral person from the state.
- File a state complaint with your state education agency. It must be filed within one year of the problem.
- Ask for a due process hearing. This is like a court hearing. Most states allow two years to file. Ask a Parent Center or a lawyer for help first.
- Know about stay put. If you file for due process, your child usually keeps the current placement until it is settled.
Free help
Your Parent Center
Every state has at least one federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. They help families with IEPs for free.
Find your Parent CenterProtection and Advocacy
Your state's disability rights agency can help with serious school problems, including restraint, seclusion, and exclusion.
Find your state's agencySearch the Atlas
Find advocates, evaluators, and therapy providers near you.
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Last reviewed: October 2026. Laws, dollar amounts, and program rules change. Check with the agency named on this page before you make a decision.