What is an IEP?

IEPs are a part of public education. They’re given to eligible kids, ages 3 and up, who attend public school. That includes charter schools.

To be eligible for an IEP, a student has to:

• Have one or more of the 13 conditions that are covered under IDEA, which includes learning disabilities like dyslexia and also

• Need services to thrive in school

Private schools don’t offer IEPs. But students in private school may be able to get special education through what’s known as a service plan (also called an Individual Services Plan).

Even before they attend school, babies and toddlers can get services through early intervention. Once kids turn 3, they can get an IEP through their local public school district.

There are no IEPs in college. But eligible students often can still get accommodations through college disability services.

Find out what’s in an IEP.

There are a lot of myths about IEPs and special education. And these misconceptions sometimes keep people from seeking out IEPs for kids who need support.  

One big myth is that kids who have IEPs have to be in a separate classroom. But most kids who get special education services through an IEP are in the same classroom as kids who don’t. That’s the way the law says it should be. 

Debunk more myths about IEPs and special education.

Some students get support at school under a 504 plan, rather than an IEP. Both can provide supports like accommodations and assistive technology. But a 504 plan isn’t part of special education. It serves a different purpose than an IEP.

See a chart that shows the differences between IEPs and 504 plans.

Understanding IEP basics is the first step to help kids thrive in school and beyond. Here are the next steps. 

Parents and caregivers: Learn about the process of getting an IEP.

Educators: Download a guide to navigating IEPs. 

Students with IEPs: Download a sample IEP transition plan.