Getting Your Child Assessed for an IEP: A Guide for Idaho Parents
The IEP process can seem confusing and stressful for parents. Usually, you or your child’s teacher has identified an area of concern that needs extra support at school. You may be wondering what the next steps are and if the teacher can address this in the classroom. This guide will walk through the critical steps in the IEP process and answer common questions.
Table Of Content
- The IEP Process
- Frequently Asked Questions
The IEP Process
- The parent or teacher identifies a concern.
- The school implements interventions through the Response to Intervention (RTI) process. This involves classroom accommodations or more targeted support from school staff.
- If the interventions are unsuccessful, a meeting is called to discuss testing the student for special education eligibility. This meeting typically includes the parent, teacher, school psychologist, related service providers like OT, speech, or PT, and the principal.
- Evaluations and testing are completed and summarized in an Eligibility Report for the parents to review.
- A meeting is held to determine if the student is eligible for special education services. If eligible, an IEP meeting will outline the services and supports needed.
The entire process from concern to IEP can take 2–6 months, depending on the school. The State Board of Education sets eligibility criteria. To qualify, most students must perform well below average for their age.
Frequently Asked Questions
IEP stands for Individualized Education Program.
Any student who qualifies can have an IEP.
The IEP is a plan of action for the school and teachers to help the student succeed. It continues year-to-year and school-to-school. Having an IEP sets clear standards that transfer between teachers and grades. An IEP is a binding contract that schools must follow.
Parents can request an assessment to determine if their child qualifies for an IEP. The parent must consent to testing before it can begin.
The evaluation and eligibility decision must be completed within 60 calendar days of the school receiving the parent’s consent for testing. This does not include school breaks over five days long. The IEP must be implemented within 30 calendar days after the student is eligible.
Re-evaluations are completed every three years. However, the IEP is reviewed annually. Parents can request an IEP meeting at any time if they have concerns.