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  • What is an IEP?

    - IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. - The purpose of an IEP is to lay out the special education instruction, supports, and services a student needs to thrive in school. - IEPs are part of PreK12 public education. When kids struggle in school, you may hear the term IEP. What is a

  • Download: Anatomy of an IEP

    AnIndividualized Education Program (IEP) can be confusing to look at and read. But knowing what goes in an IEP can help you make sense of it. Use this handy visual aid to see whats in an IEP, and what the different parts of an IEP mean. - Download an IEP snapshot to help kids keep track of their

  • Toolkit for teachers: Navigating IEPs

    An Individualized Education Program (IEP) serves as a roadmap to help you support many of your students who learn and think differently. It describes an individual students strengths and the services and supports the school will provide the student. An IEP also fosters collaboration between educato

  • IEP personal stories

    You can learn a lot from how other parents and IEP team members navigate the IEP process. Explore this collection of IEP personal stories. Youll find insights and tips about how to make the most of your childs IEP.

  • What’s in an IEP

    Knowing what goes into an IEP can help you be a better advocate for your child. Learn more about IEPs in this guide.

  • The IEP meeting: An overview

    - The purpose of an IEP meeting is to discuss, develop, and review a students IEP. - Schools are required to hold an annual IEP meeting each year to look at a students progress. - However, parents can request an IEP meeting at any time for specific issues. The IEP meeting is one of the most im

  • Printable tools to help manage your child’s IEP

    Navigating your childs IEP can be tricky. These printable tools can help make the process easier. Use them to monitor your childs progress and keep track of conversations with the school.

  • 5 common misconceptions about IEPs

    Here’s the reality behind common myths about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

  • Download: IEP binder checklist

    Use this free checklist to help you organize the documents in your IEP binder.

  • Who’s on the IEP team

    An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed by a team of people. Each member plays an important role. Find out who is required by law to be on the IEP team, what role they play, and who else you can invite. IEP team members required by law You (the parent or guardian): By law, you have

  • Understanding IEPs

    For kids to receive special education services, they need an IEP an Individualized Education Program. If your child has been evaluated, the process of getting an IEP has already begun. But theres still a lot to learn about how the IEP process works and what your role will be. This guide is designe

  • What to bring to an IEP meeting

    Whether its your first IEP meeting or your fifth, the experience can be stressful. Do you remember everything you want to say? How do you keep track of all the decisions and discussions? Do you have all the relevant information with you? Making sure youre prepared and remembering to bring everythi

  • 6 tips to make sure your child’s IEP is implemented properly

    Your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP). But how well is the IEP working? Is the school providing all the services and supports in the IEP? Use these tips to monitor your child’s IEP throughout the year.

  • What are your rights in the IEP process?

    Does your child have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), or is your child being evaluated for one? If so, federal law gives you some important rights. Find out what your rights are in the IEP process. The right to participate in IEP meetings You have the right to participate in IEP meetings

  • Download: IEP or 504 plan snapshot for your child

    You may be familiar with your childs IEP or 504 plan , but is your child? This one-page IEP or 504 plan snapshot can help kids better understand their services and accommodations in school . It can also help them learn more about their strengths, challenges, and IEP goals . Print the snapshot and

  • 8 steps to kicking off your child’s IEP the right way

    Whether your childs beginning a new school year or has a brand-new Individualized Education Program (IEP), youll want to get off to a good start. Heres what you can do to kick off the IEP and school year the right way. Print out a copy of your childs IEP. Make sure you have (and have read) every p

  • Download: IEP goal tracker

    Want help tracking your child’s progress toward meeting their annual IEP goals? Use this printable worksheet, and see filled-in examples for an academic goal and a behavior goal.

  • Download: Endrew F. advocacy toolkit

    If your child has an IEP , you know how important it is to advocate for your childs needs. The Supreme Courts Endrew F. decision on the meaning of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) can help you do that. The landmark decision is an opportunity to improve the special education services tha

  • Are IEPs different for English language learners?

    If you have recently moved from another country to the U.S., and your childs teacher thinks your child may have reading issues, the teacher may suggest testing to see if your child qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP ). If your child gets an IEP, you may be wondering if it will

  • The most important thing to remember before your next IEP meeting

    I have worked in the field of special education as a teacher, consultant, content expert, author, speaker, and professor for almost 20 years. Im also a parent of a child with learning and thinking differences. My son was diagnosed with dyslexia , dyscalculia , and dysgraphia in his early elementa

  • Video: 8 insider tips on navigating IEP meetings

    Are you getting ready for an IEP meeting ? Are you nervous or wondering what to expect? Youre not alone. Hear from two parents (one a former teacher), who are also on the Understood team, on what they wish theyd known before their IEP meetings. From who to bring to how to prepare, get inside tips f

  • How to get an IEP

    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.

  • How to read an IEP: 5 things teachers should look for

    Have you ever read through a students Individualized Education Program (IEP) and felt unsure about what to focus on? Every general education teacher will have students with IEPs in class at some point. Thats why knowing how to read and understand an IEP is so important. If youre called on to atten

  • Independent educational evaluations (IEEs): What you need to know

    - If you disagree with the results of your childs school evaluation, you can request an independent educational evaluation, or IEE. - IDEA requires the school to pay for an IEE in certain situations. - An IEE at public expense is not the same as a typical private evaluation. Do you disagree wit

  • Navigating IEP meetings

    What happens at an IEP meeting? And how do you prepare? This guide can help you be ready for your child’s next IEP meeting.

  • What to double-check on your child’s IEP

    After an initial eligibility IEP meeting , the school may ask you to sign your childs IEP . In some states, this serves as informed consent to provide services. That means youre giving the school permission to implement the IEP as its been written. Its important to make sure everything is in order

  • Understood Explains Season 3

    Want to know how special education works and get IEP tips for parents? This season of Understood Explains covers the ins and outs of individualized education programs. Host Juliana Urtubey is the 2021 National Teacher of the Year and has helped many families develop IEPs. So you can learn from a pro

  • IEP roadmap: How kids get special education

    What has to happen for kids to get special education services? This downloadable chart gives you a birds-eye view of the steps you can take to get an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for your child. - Find out about the school evaluation process . - Learn about the difference between IEP

  • 5 things to do before an IEP meeting

    Preparation is the key to being an effective, confident advocate at your childs IEP meetings. Here are five important things to do before an IEP meeting . 1. Pull and review your records. Pull out your copies of official documents, including your childs current IEP, recent progress reports, and re

  • How to tell if your child’s IEP goals are SMART

    - SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented, and Time-bound. - Having SMART IEP goals can help your child get the most out of special education. - A SMART IEP goal will be realistic for your child to achieve and will lay out how your child will accomplish it. Your chil