Understanding Individual Education Programs

IEP's Help Students With Special Needs Succeed in School

Sep 14, 2009

Every child in Canada and the U.S. has the right to free and appropriate education. Children have many abilities and those who have challenges have the right to an IEP.

An Individual Education Program is specifically designed for one child with the sole purpose of meeting that child's specific special education needs. Goals and objectives are established as well as what services a child will receive as part of his or her education program. IEP's are an entitlement for children who have a physical or mental health issue and they meet the criteria of the school system.

Who is Eligible for an IEP?

There is a process for children to be evaluated that have a physical or mental health disability. Prior to a child starting school, a parent needs to contact the school officials and arrange a meeting for a formal evaluation, if one has not already occurred. If after the evaluation parents feel it's inaccurate, they can request an independent evaluation that's completed outside of the school district and paid for by the "home" school board district.

An evaluation will determine if a child needs special education or services and if so, creating an IEP is the next step.

Creating an IEP

After evaluation, there is an IEP meeting that's required by law. An Individualized Education Program needs to address all aspects of a child's education so there are different people who need to attend this meeting. At the very least, the parents, the child's teacher and a special education teacher all need to be in attendance. There may be other professionals invited to attend such as those who may be working with the child (social workers, school psychologists and school administration). If appropriate, the child may also be in attendance at their IEP.

Everyone involved in the process of creating an IEP discusses how to best meet the needs of the child. This will include academic, social and behavioral needs. Strengths and weaknesses are identified and stated in the IEP. Short and long-term goals are set that have measurable outcomes.

Addressing the need for assistive-technology is also discussed at an IEP meeting. Assistive-technology promotes greater independence by enabling students to accomplish tasks that they normally are unable to complete on their own. Laptop computers are one of many available assistive-technologies. The IEP also identifies if the child requires assistive-technology to reach their goals, and it is the school's responsibility to ensure that goal is met.

The process of an IEP is all-inclusive, and helps the parents be an integral part of their child's education. It also ensures that the child is integrated with the classroom as best as possible, and with the required supports in place. IEP's are to be reviewed regularly, and if necessary, changes are made to benefit the student.

An IEP is a valuable tool that guarantees the best possible all-round success for the child. It isn't just a program, Individual Education Programs are a contract to ensure that students have the tools and people in place so that their education is meaningful and successful.

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The copyright of the article Understanding Individual Education Programs in Special Needs Education is owned by Karen Stephenson. Permission to republish Understanding Individual Education Programs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.