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Determine Eligibility
For a student to be able to receive special education services they have to be screened for edibility. Under IDEA there are 13 categorie that a child could fall under and they are: Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Deafness, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment. -
Screening Process
So as a parent if you think that your child may fall under the aforementioned categories you are able to request an evaluation with a teacher or other school personnel that may be able to help like counselors. They will have 60 days after given permission by the parent to conduct the evaluation and determine eligibility. -
Setting up the IEP
If your child is found to have a disability then the process moves forward and the parent, child's teacher, an administrator, and a special education teacher will need to convene for a meeting no more than 30 days after they were found eligible for special education. Everyone should work together to create what they believe is the best plan for the child's well being and future. -
Annual IEP Meeting Review
Every year the team that set up the IEP will meet to discuss any progress from the student and whether or not any changes need to be made to the IEP. They'll look at grades, reports, and any other information that was a part of the initial IEP. -
What's in an IEP exactly?
An IEP is going to have to include any information that all responsible parties feel is vital in moving the child forward. An IEP may include but is not limited to information about the current state of the student which means any current academic information as well as grades. It should have specifics. Any services that the school will offer should also be included. Specifics on how many days and what kinds of services are needed. There should also be goals and a transition plan. -
Triennial Review
Every three years after the initial evaluation of eligibility there will be meetings held to discuss whether or not the student may even need the special education services.