IEP Process
Elegibility
An Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is a support plan for our students upon qualifying for special education under our 13 categories of eligibility. Specialized instruction along with goals, services, and accommodations are included to be able to support students to have access to their educational environment.
The 13 Disability Categories are:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder 8. Orthopedic Impairment
- Deaf/Blindness 9. Other Health Impairment
- Deafness 10. Specific Learning Disability
- Hearing Impairment 11. Speech and Language Impairment
- Emotional Disturbance 12. Traumatic Brain Injury
- Intellectual Disability 13. Visual Impairment
- Multiple Disabilities
Qualifying for an IEP
Referral
A referral for an evaluation can be made by a parent or school staff member. If an evaluation is decided, a team will be developed to be able to assess the student. (i.e. school psychologist, speech and language pathologist, special education teacher, etc.)
Eligibility/Present Levels & Measurable Goals
After the evaluations are held, the team will meet for an initial meeting and discuss eligibility. If a student is found eligible, an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) will be developed along with goals within the areas of need of the student.
Offer of FAPE
Based on the areas of need and the goals developed, the team will make an offer of the services needed known as our offer of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Accommodations
To be able to support the student to be more successful within the classroom setting, instructional accommodations are created.
Annual Reviews/Triennial Review
If the parent agrees with the proposed IEP, then the team will meet annually to discuss progress on goals, continuation of services and the individualized plan for the upcoming school year. Every three years, another evaluation will be held to see if the student continues to qualify for services. This is known as the triennial review. If a student no longer qualifies, he will graduate from services. Special Education is a revolving door, so if a student needs services again in the future they can be referred again and restart the IEP process.