Different Types of IEP Meetings and Timelines
Suppose your child is in special education, or you are hoping to get special education services. In that case, it is helpful for you to know this information.
Of course, we all hope that our teachers and school administrators understand what they need to do. However, I believe that parents need to be in the driver's seat when it comes to children's education, so it is a good idea for you to know what legally is supposed to be provided for your child to make sure that they get what they need truly needed. This way, you can be the advocate your child needs.
P.s. : Here, the word parent represents any person who has the legal right over that child. And I will also include links to government websites related just in case you want to learn more.
IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. An IEP is a written document describing the educational plan for a student eligible for special education and its services. It lays out the accommodation, modification, supports, and services your child needs to progress in school.
An IEP must consider your child's present levels plus how your child's disability is impacting their involvement and progress at school. The school professionals who work with the child and their parents are known as the IEP team.
How many types of IEP Meetings are there?
Now, let's get back to the different types of IEP meetings. We will cover several of them here: Initial IEP, annual IEP, triennial IEP, interim IEP, and Amendment to IEP (Some might call it Addendum to IEP).
What is an Initial IEP?
The initial IEP is then used to review assessment reports, plus to determine present levels and eligibility. If eligible, the team (That is, the school staff and you) then address areas of need, develops goals, and determines what type of support or services are needed. A meeting to develop an initial individualized education program for the pupil shall be conducted within 30 days of a determination that the student needs special education and related services
What is an Annual IEP?
It's the most common IEP meeting most parents have for their children in special education. It's the time the IEP team gets together to review your child's current progress, needs, and program, and plan for the following year. For example, the team discusses what goals your child has met or has not met. The annual IEP should be held at least once per year and no longer than 12 months from the last yearly IEP. For example, your child's previous IEP was on 10/5/20. His next IEP should be held no longer than 10/4/21.
What is a Triennial IEP?
At least once every three years, the school is required to re-evaluate a child with an IEP to see if the needs have changed, assess progress, see if still qualified for special education services, and develop new IEP and recommendations. However, families and school staff may want a reevaluation at another time or before the three-year mark. An assessment plan does need to be generated before the assessment(s), and approval (signature) does need to be received from the parents.
What is an Interim IEP?
An Interim IEP is the meeting that must be held within 30 days at the new school after a child with an IEP transfers to a new school district. For example, your family moves from Sacramento (in California) to Los Angeles (in California) or from a school in California to a school in Texas. The purpose of this meeting is to make sure that your child's special education services continue in the new school setting. The IEP team should use the information from the previous school andnew report from the new school, in addition to parental concerns, to determine the continuation of current support or addition of other support.
What is an Amendment to IEP?
It's an IEP held to make changes or add new information to an already existing IEP. This can be requested any time during the school year. If a parent makes a written request for this type of meeting, the meeting needs to be held within 30 calendar days. If you make an oral request for the meeting, the school staff should be directing you to make a written request. The request should not just be ignored.
You can request this meeting when you feel any changes to your child's IEP are necessary. For example, you and the Speech therapist have discussed changing from individual sessions to group. This meeting does need to be held to alter the Speech service setting.
You can also request this meeting when you feel your concern is not being addressed, even after voicing it to the teacher or school. For example, your son has behaviors that get in the way of his learning at school. You have tried to get the teacher to work on them. You feel that you are being ignored. You can request for the IEP meeting so the school takes your concern more seriously.
By law, as parents, you are an equal partners on your child's IEP team. This is covered under section 300.322 of the law IDEA. As a parent, you bring very important information to the IEP meeting, different than what the school professionals can bring to the table. You know all the little differences (I.e., strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes) that can be very helpful to the school team. Your knowledge can help the team develop an IEP that will work best for your child. And the more you know about the law, special education timelines, and your parent/child's rights, the more chance your child gets the education they deserve.
To learn more, this book "The Complete IEP Guide-How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child" is super helpful.
Disclaimer: This blog contains an affiliate link, and this site may receive a commission. I only endorse products that I have used and can be super helpful to you and your family.
The school must give you enough advance notice to have the chance to make it to the IEP meeting. Unfortunately, there is no specific timeline given in the law exactlyhow long in advance. The law IDEA’s provisions regarding parent participation state:
Each public agency must take steps to ensure that one or both of the parents of a child with a disability are present at each IEP Team meeting or are afforded the opportunity to participate[§300.322(a)]. This includes: (1) Notifying parents of the meeting early enough to ensure that they will have an opportunity to attend; and (2) Scheduling the meeting at a mutually agreed on time and place.
For example, providing you a notice on Friday for an upcoming Tuesday meeting surely does not give you enough notice, especially when you have to work or have other children to take care of.
Let the teacher know how many days notice do you usually need. And you do want to be a part of your child's IEP meeting, so it is better to postpone a bit longer than you not being a part of the meeting. the school and parents have to agree when and where they are going to meet
Stay connected with me, so I can update you with any new info, tips and freebies.
These might also be helpful for you and your child:
Disclaimer: The info here is for educational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as any kind of legal advice.