Understanding Your Child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP): What Parents Need to Know 🏫📄

IEP Meetings: What to Expect & How to Prepare 🎓

If your child has been evaluated and determined eligible for special education services, the next step is developing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

This legally binding document outlines your child’s educational goals, the support they will receive, and how progress will be measured. But let’s be honest—IEP meetings can feel overwhelming.

So, here’s what you need to know to walk into that meeting prepared and confident.

Who Attends the IEP Meeting? 🏫

Like previous meetings, you’ll likely walk into a conference room full of school staff. Here’s who must be present by law:

✔ Parent/Guardian (You’re the most important advocate!)

✔ Intervention Specialist (Special Education Teacher)

✔ District Representative (Usually a principal or administrator)

✔ Regular Education Teacher (To provide input on classroom inclusion)

You may also see:

✔ School Psychologist (If applicable)

✔ Speech/Occupational/Physical Therapists (If services are needed)

✔ School Counselor or Social Worker

✔ Your Child (Optional, but encouraged for older students)

💡 Tip: You should receive a draft IEP ahead of time for review—ask for it if you don’t!

The 16 Key Sections of an IEP (Ohio Edition) 📑

An Ohio IEP includes 16 sections. Here’s what they mean in plain English:

1️⃣ Future Planning

A snapshot of your child’s strengths, interests, and post-school goals.

2️⃣ Special Instructional Factors

✔ Behavioral concerns

✔ English proficiency

✔ Assistive technology needs

✔ Speech/hearing/vision needs

✔ Specially designed physical education

3️⃣ Profile

A detailed overview of your child’s background, including:

✔ Past & current IEP goals

✔ Strengths & challenges

✔ Medical & safety concerns

✔ Parent concerns (💡 Make sure your input is included!)

4️⃣ Extended School Year (ESY) Services

Extra summer services for students who lose significant progress over breaks.

5️⃣ Post-Secondary Transition (For Middle & High School Students)

Identifies how the school will help prepare your child for life after graduation.

6️⃣ Measurable Annual Goals

🚀 The heart of the IEP! These goals should be:✔ Specific✔ Measurable✔ Attainable✔ Relevant✔ Time-bound

📌 Example: Instead of “Improve reading skills,” the goal should be:"Increase reading fluency from 60 to 100 words per minute by the end of the school year."

How Will These Goals Be Met?

7️⃣ Description of Specially Designed Services

✔ Who provides instruction (special ed teacher, therapist, etc.)

✔ Where services occur (general ed classroom, pull-out services, etc.)

✔ How much time is allocated for each goal

(🚨 This is one of the most important sections—be sure it’s detailed!)

8️⃣ Transportation as a Related Service

✔ Does your child need special transportation?

✔ If yes, what accommodations does the bus need?

9️⃣ Nonacademic & Extracurricular Activities

✔ Ensures your child has access to extracurriculars with peers.

(💡 If they’re being excluded, the school must provide a valid reason.)

How Will Inclusion & Testing Work?

🔟 General Factors

✔ Ensures the team has considered all aspects of your child’s needs.

1️⃣1️⃣ Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

✔ How much time your child spends outside the general education classroom & why.

(💡 Schools must place students in the least restrictive setting possible.)

1️⃣2️⃣ Statewide & Districtwide Testing

✔ Will your child take standardized tests?

✔ If yes, what accommodations will they receive?

1️⃣3️⃣ Exemptions from Testing

✔ If your child is exempt from graduation tests or the 3rd Grade Reading Guarantee.

The Final Steps

1️⃣4️⃣ Meeting Participants

✔ All team members must sign to confirm they attended the meeting.

(🚨 Signing does NOT mean you agree! It just confirms participation.)

1️⃣5️⃣ Parent Signatures

✔ This is where you give permission for the IEP to be implemented.

✔ If you disagree, you can refuse to sign & request changes.

1️⃣6️⃣ Children with Visual Impairments

✔ Only for students who are blind or visually impaired.

What Happens After the IEP Meeting? 📝

✔ The district sends a Prior Written Notice (PR01) confirming the IEP will be implemented.

✔ The IEP must be reviewed annually—but you can request a meeting anytime if concerns arise.

✔ The IEP goes into effect immediately unless you dispute it.

💡 Need changes? You have the right to call an IEP meeting at any time.

Your Advocacy Matters! 💪

IEPs are legally binding, but not all schools implement them correctly. 

As a parent, you have the right to:

📌 Ask questions

📌 Request changes

📌 Appeal decisions

📌 Call an IEP meeting at any time

Have questions? Drop them in the comments! 👇

📞 Call or text: 614-470-4466

📧 Email: admin@achievepsychology.org

🌐 Visit: www.achievepsychology.org