IEP Support
IEP Support is individualized academic support designed to complement school services and help students build confidence, independence, and long-term success.
What is IEP Support?
IEP Support helps students and families make the most of their educational accommodations and specialized instruction. Support may include understanding IEP goals, reinforcing skills taught at school, building executive functioning and study skills, communicating concerns, and providing individualized academic support that complements school services.
What are examples of IEP Support?
Examples of IEP support include:
- Reinforcing reading, writing, and math goals.
- Helping students use accommodations effectively.
- Supporting executive functioning, organization, and homework completion.
- Reviewing progress and identifying areas of difficulty.
- Explaining educational terminology to parents.
- Helping families prepare questions for IEP meetings.
- Collaborating with teachers and specialists when appropriate.
- Providing one-on-one instruction tailored to the student’s needs.
How do you request extra support for your child?
If you suspect your child may have a disability affecting their education, you can request an evaluation for special education services from the school district. A school evaluation can begin based on educational concerns.
1. Make the request in writing
Send a letter or email to your child’s teacher, principal, or special education department stating that you are requesting an evaluation for special education services.
Example:
I am requesting a comprehensive evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], because I have concerns about [reading, writing, attention, behavior, etc.]. I would like to determine whether my child is eligible for special education services under IDEA.
2. Provide your concerns
Examples include:
- Difficulty reading or writing
- Problems with attention or organization
- Delays in speech or language
- Academic struggles despite extra help
- Behavioral or social concerns
3. Give consent for evaluation
The school may ask you to provide written consent for assessment before evaluations are completed. Depending on your state, there are timelines the district must follow.
4. Attend the IEP meeting
If your child qualifies, the team will develop an Individualized Education Program under IDEA. This may include:
- Specialized instruction
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Accommodations and modifications
- Goals tailored to your child’s needs
5. Stay involved
Parents are members of the IEP team. You can:
- Ask questions.
- Request copies of reports.
- Share concerns.
- Request meetings if problems arise.
- Ask for explanations if something is unclear.
What does it NOT include?
While IEP support can help students and families make the most of their educational services, it does not replace the role of the school district or the IEP team.
IEP support does not include:
- Legal advice or legal representation.
- Writing or approving IEPs on behalf of the school.
- Guaranteeing specific accommodations, services, or outcomes.
- Diagnosing disabilities or conducting formal evaluations.
- Replacing special education teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, or other related service providers.
- Making educational decisions for parents or schools.
- Serving as an advocate at meetings in a legal capacity.
Instead, IEP support is intended to complement school services by reinforcing skills, supporting organization and executive functioning, helping students use their accommodations effectively, and providing individualized academic instruction tailored to each student’s needs.