Individualized Education Program (IEP)

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) describes the educational program that has been designed to meet that child’s unique needs. 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. It is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability.

Education Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois
Developed by the Illinois State Board of Education with assistance from the Parent Task Force on Accessible Special Education Materials, this guide is for parents, teachers, administrators, and others to learn about the educational rights of children who have disabilities and receive special education and related services.

Illinois Student Record Keeper
This booklet is for you to use to keep important information about your child and his/her special education and related services. It is a companion to Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois.

Records play an important role as you plan your child’s education. Dates, people, meetings and reports are important throughout your child’s educational career. The records keeper was developed to assist you in preparing for Individualized Education Program (IEP) and transition meetings; getting ready for evaluations and reevaluations; and keeping track of paperwork and other materials you might need.

The Short-and-Sweet IEP Overview
Find out fast what an IEP is, who writes it, and what it contains.

The IEP Team
A child’s IEP is developed by a team of individuals that includes key school staff and the child’s parents. Find out who’s required by law to serve on the team and what they might contribute to developing the IEP.

Contents of the IEP
A child’s IEP, by law, must contain specific information, including the special education and related services that he or she will receive. But there’s so much more in an IEP! Find out in detail.

When the IEP Team Meets

What goes on at an IEP team meeting? What does IDEA require? What types of considerations, discussions, and decisions must be made by the IEP team? Find out here.

Just For Parents: Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) [pdf]

The meeting is usually called an IEP team meeting. Some states may use a different name. The purpose of the meeting is to review the evaluation results and develop a special education program to help your child learn.

Transportation And Children Who Have Disabilities [pdf]

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) includes transportation within its definition of “related services.” This means that students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) have the right to receive special transportation services if it is needed

Prior Written Notice

Written notice that meets the requirements under section 300.503 (b) must be given to the parents of a child with a disability a reasonable time before the public agency. Eight Times a Public Agency Must Provide Section §300.503 Notice.