What Is an IEP and Who Qualifies?
An IEP outlines:
- The classroom setting (e.g., general education, special education, or a mix).
- Specific services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or social work.
- Goals tailored to your child’s unique needs.
- Accommodations to support their learning.
Pro Tip: Keep a notebook to track your child’s progress, challenges, and questions. This will help you stay organized and prepared for IEP meetings.
IEP vs. 504 Plan: What’s the Difference?
It’s common to confuse an IEP with a 504 Plan, but they serve different purposes:
- IEP: Provides direct services (e.g., speech therapy) and specialized classroom placements to meet your child’s needs.
- 504 Plan: Offers accommodations, like extended test time, preferential seating, or sensory breaks, for students who don’t need specialized instruction but require support to access the learning environment.
Not sure which is right for your child? Talk to your school’s special education team to discuss your child’s needs and determine the best option.
How to Start the IEP Process
If your child is not yet in school and you think they may need an IEP:
- Contact the Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS) at odlss@cps.edu (mailto:odlss@cps.edu) to request an initial IEP evaluation.
- For children aged birth to 5, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) offers free early childhood screenings to assess whether your child could benefit from an IEP evaluation. Check the 2023-2024 screening schedule here.
Note: The screening link is for the 2023-2024 school year. Verify with CPS for updated schedules, as this information may be outdated.
If your child is already in school:
- Email your child’s teacher and the school’s special education director (find their contact info on the school’s website) to request an IEP evaluation.
- Be specific about your concerns, such as academic struggles, behavioral challenges, or delays in speech or motor skills.
Parent Tip: Document your request in writing (email is best) to create a paper trail and ensure follow-up.
If your child has an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) through Early Intervention (EI) and is nearing age 3:
- Contact your EI service coordinator when your child is around 2.5 years old to schedule a transition meeting.
- This meeting will help set up an IEP evaluation with your local school district to ensure a smooth transition to school-based services.
Preparing for the IEP Evaluation and Meeting
Once you’ve requested an evaluation, here’s how to prepare:
- Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, therapist reports, or teacher observations that highlight your child’s needs.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Resources like Understood.org or Wrightslaw.com offer parent-friendly guides.
- Bring a Support Person: Consider inviting a trusted friend, family member, or advocate to the IEP meeting for emotional support and note-taking.
- Prepare Questions: Write down questions like, “What services will my child receive?” or “How will progress be measured?”
Engagement Tip: Download our free IEP Meeting Checklist (#) (link to a downloadable PDF you could create) to stay organized and confident during the meeting.
Advocating for Your Child During the IEP Process.
You are your child’s best advocate. Here are tips to ensure their needs are met:
- Be Collaborative: Approach the IEP team as partners, but don’t hesitate to share your insights about your child’s strengths and challenges.
- Ask for Clarification: If terms like “FAPE” (Free Appropriate Public Education) or “LRE” (Least Restrictive Environment) are unclear, ask for explanations.
- Review the IEP Draft: Request a draft before the meeting to review and suggest changes.
- Follow Up: After the IEP is in place, check in regularly with teachers and therapists to monitor progress and address concerns.
