An Individualized Education Plan for a student is required.
Individualized education programs are called IEP.Special services and accommodations are required in order to succeed in school.There is no charge to families who need to have a child assessed for an Individualized Education Plan or for the services that will be needed to accommodate the child's disability.If you are the parent or teacher of a child with a known or suspected disability, there are several things you can do to help them.
Step 1: Determine if your child is eligible for an individualized plan.
There are a number of disabilities that may make your child eligible for an Individualized Education Program.If your child has already been diagnosed with a disability, you can use that as a reason for an Individualized Education Program.Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, emotional disorders and cognitive challenges are some of the disabilities that may qualify your child for an Individualized Education Program.
Step 2: You can schedule a conference with your teacher.
You will need to schedule a conference with your child's teacher to get the process started.You can discuss the challenges your child has been having with school during this meeting.Your child's teacher may or may not be aware of their struggles.You could say something like, "I am not sure if you have noticed anything unusual in the classroom, but here's what I have observed at home", and then your teacher might recommend a conference that includes your child, an observation of their child and an evaluation.
Step 3: If you want to have your child assessed, make a decision.
If you think your child would benefit from an Individualized Education Program, then you can request to have them assessed.You don't have to pay to have your child assessed.Your child will be assessed by specialists in the school system, which may include a psychologist physical therapist or occupational therapist speech therapist vision or hearing specialist
Step 4: If you disagree with the evaluation, you'll get an IEE.
If you don't agree with the findings of your child's evaluation, you have the right to take them for an IEE.The person who evaluates your child can ask the school system to pay for the evaluation.If you think the school's assessment is incorrect, you should get a second opinion.If you disagree with the assessment of your child's hearing abilities, you could go to a hearing specialist for a second opinion.
Step 5: Consider adding other people to your child's team.
If you choose to do so, you have the right to add other members to your child's planning team.Someone who works with your child outside of school, such as a coach, may be included.You can hire an attorney to be an advocate for you and your child during the planning process.If you can't afford an attorney, the school system can help.
Step 6: You should attend the meeting.
The members of the planning team are required to attend the meeting.You can attend the meeting if you are a member of the team.Your input is important since you know your child best.Speak up if you don't agree with something someone says or you have ideas about how to help your child.If you give written notice at least 24 hours before the meeting, you can have it recorded.You can give this request to your child's school principal or special education chairperson.You should ask questions and express your concerns during the meeting.If something doesn't make sense to you, you might say something like, "I am not sure that I understand what that means."Can you clarify it for me?
Step 7: You should get a copy of your child's plan.
You are able to get a paper copy of the plan after the IEP has been drawn up.You should request on if you don't get one within a week of the meeting.You can request mediation or a hearing if you disagree with any aspect of the IEP.If you cannot afford an attorney, you can hire one of your own.
Step 8: You should have your child reexamine every three years.
It is important for your child to be reexamined at least once every three years.If your child still has a disability, this reevaluation will tell you if it has improved or become more severe.Depending on the findings of the reevaluation, your child's IEP may need to be adjusted.
Step 9: Consider why a student might need an Individualized Education Program.
It is normal for kids to struggle.If you notice that a student is struggling in the classroom, you may want to take an assessment to see if an Individualized Education Program is necessary.If a child requires constant guidance to complete tasks, you might recommend them for an assessment.They are not getting good grades in class even though they are working hard.They are not happy with their school work.They don't understand the logic behind the process.You can't remember what you said in class or in writing.Even if the child has strong general knowledge, they cannot read, write or do math.It is not possible to communicate or process language effectively.
Step 10: Refer the child to the school's psychologist.
You will need to refer the child to the school psychologist or counselor for an assessment if you have identified at least one reason why the assessment should be done.A request to conduct an assessment will be sent to the child's parents by the school counselor or psychologist.To find out if the parents have noticed similar challenges at home, you need to meet with them.You could say, "I am concerned about the challenges that Billy has been having in the classroom."He is working hard, but I think he needs more help.
Step 11: You should be aware of the time limitations.
If the child's parents consent to an assessment, you and other members of the team will only have 60 days to complete the Individualized Education Program.The child's ability to function in the classroom will be affected if the plan is not in place.It's important to prioritize this process.If you are on the team, make sure you do your part as soon as possible.This may include giving an evaluation of the child's classroom performance and/or behavior, or holding a conference with the parents and child.
Step 12: The guidelines should be implemented.
You will need to implement these guidelines in your classroom after the guidelines have been approved.The guidelines may only require minor adjustments to the way that you teach the child, or they may mean that someone will need assistance throughout the day.If the child is given more time to complete tasks, you may need to allow them to work longer than other students.A child may need someone with them throughout the day to help with tasks.You will be responsible for measuring the child's progress and reporting it to the parents.