The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) spells out the requirements for IEPs. These include identifying the child's current performance, setting goals, stating the services needed to support the student and identifying modifications and accommodations. Working together, schools and parents can maximize the student's school experience.
The IEP team may consist of parents, classroom and special education and teachers, a social worker, a transition planner, the student (if appropriate) and others with expertise or special knowledge. A translator or interpreter may also attend.
Parents bring their unique knowledge of their child, insight into behaviors and questions for the team. As active members of the IEP team, parents contribute significantly to the plan.