7 Steps In An IEP Process | Special Education Decoded

Summary

This video explains the seven-step process of creating an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students with special needs. These steps include pre-referral, referral, identification, eligibility, development of the IEP, implementation, and reviews & re-evaluations. The video highlights the importance of parental involvement throughout the process and provides guidance on navigating the special education system. By understanding each step, parents can better advocate for their child's educational needs and ensure they receive the support necessary for success.

Takeaways

• 😀 The IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process consists of seven steps: pre-referral, referral, identification, eligibility, development, implementation, and reviews/re-evaluations.
• 😀 The first step, pre-referral, aims to address the child's issues through interventions and accommodations before formal evaluation, to avoid unnecessary placements.
• 😀 Parents and teachers can bring concerns about a child's development, and early intervention services are available starting at age three.
• 😀 The referral process occurs if pre-referral efforts are unsuccessful, where data like observations, grades, and test scores are collected to determine if the child may need special education services.
• 😀 In the identification step, the team reviews the data to decide if the child has a disability that requires special education services, and if needed, an evaluation is ordered.
• 😀 Eligibility is determined after the evaluation, where the team reviews results to classify the disability under one of 13 categories, such as autism, speech impairment, or learning disability.
• 😀 If a child qualifies for special education services, the IEP is developed in collaboration with a team that includes parents, educators, and specialists.
• 😀 The IEP must ensure the child is placed in the least restrictive environment (LRE) and outline specific long- and short-term goals tailored to the child's needs.
• 😀 Once the IEP is written and approved, implementation begins, which means the child starts receiving the identified services and accommodations.
• 😀 The final step involves regular reviews and re-evaluations. IEPs must be reviewed annually, and re-evaluations occur every three years to ensure continued eligibility for special education services.
• 😀 Parents play an integral role in the IEP process and are encouraged to actively participate, advocate for their child, and request reviews if needed.

Q & A

What does IEP stand for and why is it important?

IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. It is a vital tool in special education, ensuring that children with disabilities receive personalized instruction and necessary services to succeed in school.

What is the purpose of the pre-referral stage in the IEP process?

The pre-referral stage aims to avoid unnecessary evaluations and placements. It involves documenting the child’s challenges, testing classroom accommodations, and exploring different instructional interventions to support the child.

Who can initiate a referral for special education services?

A referral can be initiated by parents or teachers if they notice that a child is facing challenges that require special education services.

What happens during the referral process of the IEP?

During the referral process, information about the child is collected, including observations, work samples, grades, and test scores. This data is used to assess the child’s needs and decide whether special education services are required.

What is the role of the identification stage in the IEP process?

The identification stage involves a team meeting to review the results of interventions and strategies used with the child. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the team may order a formal evaluation to determine if the child has a disability requiring special education services.

How does the eligibility stage determine whether a child qualifies for special education?

During the eligibility stage, the team reviews the child’s evaluation results to determine if the child meets the criteria for special education under one of 13 disability categories. If eligible, the child receives special education services.

What is the least restrictive environment (LRE) in the IEP process?

The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a principle in the IEP development that ensures the child is educated in a setting that is as close to a regular classroom environment as possible, with the necessary supports and accommodations.

What happens during the development of the IEP?

During IEP development, an IEP team, including parents and educators, meet to create a personalized education plan. This plan includes specific goals, the services the child will receive, and the accommodations necessary to support the child’s learning.

What is the implementation stage of the IEP process?

The implementation stage occurs after the IEP is developed and approved. It is when the school begins to execute the plan by providing the child with the necessary services and ensuring that teachers follow the accommodations outlined in the IEP.

How often is the IEP reviewed, and when are re-evaluations required?

The IEP is reviewed annually to assess the child's progress and make necessary adjustments. Re-evaluations are required every three years to determine if the child continues to be eligible for special education services.

What can parents do if they feel the IEP is not working for their child?

Parents can request a review of the IEP at any time if they believe the plan is not working. During these reviews, the team discusses the child’s progress and adjusts the plan if necessary.

What are the 13 categories under which a child can qualify for special education services?

The 13 disability categories are: developmental delay, autism, speech and language impairment, specific learning disability, emotional disturbance, visual impairment, deafness, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, traumatic brain injury, and other health impairment.