An IEP is an Individual Education Plan that is developed for a child with a disability in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). This is done through and IEP meeting with the school district and the parent.

Any child between the ages of 3 and 22 years of age with a disability can qualify for an IEP. The law limits who can receive special education services. In order to qualify for special education services, the child must be eligible under one of the following conditions and the disability must adversely affect a child’s educational performance. Modifications and services in general education must have been utilized and documented to ensure that all other means of instruction cannot meet the child’s needs without special education. The categories that a child may qualify under are:

1. Autism

2. Deaf

3. Deaf-blindness

4. Emotionally disturbed

5. Established medical disability (ages 3-5 only)

6. Hard of Hearing

7. Mental Retardation

8. Multiple Disabilities

9. Orthopedically Impaired

10. Other Health Impaired

11. Specific Learning Disability

12. Speech or Language Impairment

13. Traumatic Brain Injury

14. Visually Impaired

Most students are referred for an assessment through the Student Study Team process. Either the child’s parent or the student’s teacher can initiate this process.

The California Department of Education has provided an overview of your educational rights and procedural safeguards. It can be accessed by clicking here.