Individual education plan-IEP
Q: What is an Individual Education Plan (IEP)?
If a student needs extra support in class, the teacher may develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for him or her, in consultation with the child’s parents. The IEP describes what the school will do to help the child be successful. A student does not have to be formally assessed in order to have an IEP.
The IEP should include:
- A list of the student’s strengths and needs;
- An outline of the special education services the student will receive, where and when the services will be provided and who will provide them;
- A description of how the student’s progress will be measured and reviewed;
- A set of goals for the student and teacher to work toward over the year; and
- A list of any special equipment to be provided.
An IEP must be completed within 30 school days after a child has been placed in a special education program, and the principal must ensure that parents receive a copy of the IEP.
More information…
Helpful Links
- Association for Bright Children of Ontario
- Autism Ontario
- Canadian Council for Exceptional Children
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario
- Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC)
- Child Advocacy Project (CAP)
- Community Living Ontario
- Epilepsy Toronto
- Geneva Centre for Autism
- INTEGRA
- International Dyslexia Association, Ontario Branch
- Learning Disabilities Association
- Learning Disabilities Online
- Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders (OAFCCD)
- Ontario Association for Students at Risk (OASAR)
- Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services (OACRS)
- Ontario Human Rights Commission
- Parent’s Advocacy in the School
- Parents for Children’s Mental Health (PCMH)
- The Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs
- VOICE for Hearing and Impaired Children
Join the Discussion »
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Questions about IEPs
How many parents can really understand the IEP for their children? Does it represent the right needs? Can we disagree with it based on medical assessments from qualified professionals?... Matt, you've asked a lot of good questions here! A few years ago, an expert parent provided People for Education with this article. Although it doesn't answer all of your questions, I think you will find it helpful. View the full discussion.
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Special education and parent advocacy
Parent capacity to advocate varies significantly and is impacted by the family circumstances including family dynamics, employment status and income. There are families, schools and communities that are working effectively to improve student support and achievement. We need to find out more about these individual stories and share the strategies that work. If you know of an example, please share your story. Together we can expand our knowledge and identify ways to improve the school experience for students with special education needs. View the full discussion.