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Understanding IEPs

What is an IEP?

If your child receives special education and related services, it is required that he/she have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP will address your child’s unique abilities and needs and describe how he/she will access the general curriculum.

Read a Fact Sheet about Individual Education Programs (IEP) (Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese)

Who is on the IEP Team?

The group of people who will make decisions concerning your child’s educational program for the next year is called the IEP Team.  Included are individuals with expertise in different areas and a common goal to see the student reach their goals.  

Find out more about the IEP Team

Who Is On My Child’s IEP Team?

The IEP Meeting

During the IEP meeting, team members (including the parent) share their thoughts and concerns about the child and his/her strengths and needs. 

Find out more about IEP Meetings

8 Steps to Better IEP Meetings: Play Hearts, Not Poker by Jennifer Bollero, Esq.

Contents of a Written IEP

Every IEP must contain specific information required by the special education law, IDEA.

Find out more about the required content of an IEP

Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)

Accommodations and Modifications

Related Services

Assistive Technology

Accessible Instructional Materials

Least Restrictive Environment

Addressing Behavior 

If a student with disabilities has behaviors that impede their learning or the learning of others, the IEP team must consider strategies and supports to address that behavior. 

Read the Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) & Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) fact sheet, also available in (Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese) 

Sample Behavior Intervention Plan

Preparing for IEP Meeting 

Preparation for the IEP meeting can make a big difference in getting the services for your child that are needed.

Writing Good Goals

Planning for Success

Students with Disabilities and Georgia High School Diploma Requirements

Special Factors in IEPs

How to Organize your Child’s IEP Binder

Student-Led IEPs

Students should be actively involved in all aspects of the IEP, as their age and ability allow. To be successful in their life after high school, middle and high schoolers especially benefit from developing an understanding of their strengths and needs and how to share that information.

Find out more about Student-Led IEPs.

Eight Steps to Help Students Develop IEP Goals