IEP Development

Once a child is identified with a disability and determined eligible to receive special education services, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team works together to develop the IEP, a written document identifying the special education and related services necessary to support the child's development and educational program. The IEP allows everyone with a role in teaching and nurturing the child to understand what the child will need to grow and prosper, and the particular role they can play as a supportive member of the child's team.

Services identified on an IEP might include special instruction, speech and language therapy, physical and occupational therapy, Assistive Technology devices and services, psychological services, and other services identified by the IEP team as necessary for the child to benefit from participating in an educational program.
 

Read more about the IEP decision-making process.

After the IEP is Developed

Where can Services be Provided?

After the IEP is developed and agreed upon by the IEP team, the next important step in the process is to identify the setting, or Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), in which the child's special education and related services needs can be met. Appropriate LRE settings for preschool children can include a preschool special education class in (or closest to) the neighborhood school, general education preschool program, local Head Start program, approved private preschool, child care center, or another early childhood setting available within the community.

Links to Intervention and Education??  Preschool Special Education Services?

Procedural Safeguards

Procedural Safeguards are policies established to ensure and protect the basic rights of children receiving special education and related services. Parents receive a copy of the Procedural Safeguards as part of every IEP team meeting, and should be encouraged to ask questions about any of the policies and procedures as well as concerns they may have about their child's program. For more information about procedural safeguards, please see the Procedural Safeguards section under Family Support.

The procedural safeguards notice includes a full explanation of parental rights of children receiving special education services.  Download the latest version - January 2010.