Individual Education Plans
Individualized Educational Plans are the central pillar of special education services . The plans are created by a team whose members have different roles intended to ensure appropriate expertise and representation to make informed decisions on behalf of the child. Parents or caregivers are important members of this team, which operates under consensus rules - meaning everyone must agree to a decision.
The pages below cover different aspects of the IEP process and team.
The different roles on an IEP team
The part team chairs play in the process
The option for facilitated IEP meetings
Who parent's can and should invite to IEP meetings
Preparing for an IEP meeting
What to expect in your first IEP meeting
What goes into an IEP
What is placement
Annual updates and other IEP meetings
What advocates are and why some parents find them helpful
Guidelines for considering an advocate
What is transition planning
How does it tie to the IEP process
Accepting, rejecting or partially rejecting an IEP
Stay put protections
Related Topics
The topics below relate to both 504 plans and IEPs.
Foundations for Effective Collaboration
Other Resources
Official Resources
IEP Process Guide- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
A Guide to the Individualized Education Program - U.S. Department of Education (Archived)
General Resources
The IEP meeting: An overview - Understood.org
What is an IEP? - GreatSchools.org
Quick Reference on Special Education - Children's Law Center of Massachusetts
Please note that we at Reading SEPAC cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented on any third-party website listed on this site, nor do we endorse any informational content appearing on third-party websites of any of the providers listed. We endeavor only to provide a listing of potentially helpful information available. Its up to you, as a consumer, to do your own diligence and research. Also note that any summarization of the laws, rules, regulations, processes or similar related to special education, or advice proffered is based exclusively on the experience of Reading SEPAC members as parents of children with special needs. Its in no way an official reflection of the position of the FCSA or the Reading School system and we make no claims of expertise in communication, law, education or any other areas. While we have endeavored to provide simple-to-read language for parents, we are not experts, do not claim to be, and make no warranties or claims of accuracy related to the informational content of this website.