Each child is unique, thus the IEP must be as well
Special education is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. This means education that is individually developed to address a specific child’s needs that result from his or her disability.
As a result, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) can be one of the most critical components of your child's success.
On this page, you’ll find general information, helpful tips, and downloadable resources—to help you effectively navigate the IEP process and ensure the best educational experience for your child. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The focus and curriculum vary per child
Because each child is unique, it is difficult to give an overall example of special education. Some students may be working at the pre-kindergarten grade level, others at the first, second, or third grade level.
There may be students whose special education focuses primarily on speech and language development, cognitive development, or needs related to a physical or learning disability. Special education for any student can consist of:
- An individualized curriculum that is different from that of same-age, non-disabled peers (Example: Teaching a blind student to read and write using Braille)
- The same (general) curriculum as that for non-disabled peers, with adaptations or modifications made for the student (Example: Teaching 3rd grade math but including the use of counting tools and assistive technology for the student)
- A combination of these elements
What the IEP covers, and what it does not
It is also important to remember that the education, services, and supports outlined in a child’s IEP do not necessarily cover that child’s entire education. The IEP only addresses those educational needs resulting from the child’s disability. If a child needs special education support throughout the school day, for all activities, the IEP will cover all these needs.
If the child doesn’t need special education support in one or more areas (for example, physical education, music, or science), then the IEP will not include these subjects. The child accesses them through the general curriculum/ class, with no additional special education services.
IEP Resources
IEP Road Map
At ECAC, we believe that informed and empowered families are essential partners in achieving positive outcomes for children with disabilities. Our IEP Road Map is designed for North Carolina families whose child has been found eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This guide is intended to help families understand the IEP development process, navigate the North Carolina IEP forms and meaningfully participate in their child’s IEP meetings.
Categories: IEP
Formulario de Aportes Del IEP Para Maestros (Teacher IEP Input Form)
Categories: IEP, Spanish
Formulario de Aportes Del IEP Para Padres (Parent IEP Input Form)
Categories: IEP, Spanish
Transition IEP Case Examples
In this document, you will find a range of case scenarios suitable for high school students. Each case example describes a student with different strengths, abilities, needs, and desires. All these students are required to have a transition component in their IEP that includes measurable postsecondary and annual goals. Check out each example for ideas on how to write goals in education, employment, and independent living, and to learn about framing the transition services, activities, and coursework that each student needs to meet their post-school goals and desires.
Categories: IEP, Transition to Adulthood
Transition IEP - Student
The Transition IEP is a plan that focuses on your future. It has your goals and includes the services and supports you need to be successful in school. Your Transition IEP also prepares you for life after school is over. When you are age 14, your team, which includes you and your parents, starts important planning for your future. This is called Transition Planning (moving from childhood to adulthood). The Transition IEP is your plan for reaching your adult goals.
Categories: IEP, Transition to Adulthood
The Transition IEP - For Parents
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students with disabilities must have a Transition Plan by age 16, earlier if appropriate. The Transition plan is part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). It is not a separate document, and it is often called the Transition IEP.
Categories: IEP, Transition to Adulthood
Transition IEP Activities
Transition activities should relate to the planned postsecondary outcomes and annual transition goals in the IEP. These services and activities should occur while your child is still in high school and can occur on or off school grounds
Categories: IEP, Transition to Adulthood
Self Directed IEPs - Student Fact Sheet
Your IEP (Individualized Education Program) is like a roadmap for planning your life after high school. It shows where you want to be and how you are going to get there. Paying attention to what is in your IEP is how you can make sure that you learn the skills in high school you need to live the life you want to live after high school.
Categories: IEP, Transition to Adulthood
Self Directed IEPs - Parent Fact Sheet
Your child’s (young adult’s) Individualized Education Program (IEP) is like a roadmap for planning their life after high school. It shows where the student wants to be and how they are going to get there. The earlier students are involved in developing their IEP, the better. Participating in the IEP process helps develop self-advocacy skills. They also learn the importance of the IEP. Paying attention to what is in the IEP is part of how students make sure they learn skills in high school that they need to have the life they want after high school.
Categories: IEP, Transition to Adulthood
Who Is On My IEP Team?
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a roadmap for a student with a disability to get from a starting point to an end goal. It changes when your needs change and is the basis for your education. There are different people who can attend your IEP meeting and help make your goals and help plan your future.
Categories: IEP, Transition to Adulthood
Roles Around the IEP Table
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a roadmap for a student with a disability to get from a starting point to an end goal. It changes when the student’s needs change and is the basis for your child’s education. The parent is an equal member of the IEP team. T
Categories: IEP
Adapted Physical Education
Adapted Physical Education (APE) is specially designed instruction to meet a student’s unique needs through individualized instruction in the least restrictive environment. APE supports accessibility by aligning with state standards and grade level curricula, allowing all students to participate meaningfully.
Categories: IEP
¿Qué hace que un estudiante sea elegible para un IEP? (What makes a student eligible for an IEP?)
Categories: IEP, Spanish
Special Education Considerations for Native American Families in North Carolina
Raising a child with a disability comes with many challenges, but you are not alone. For Native American families in North Carolina, these challenges may feel even greater when navigating systems that may not recognize the impact of historical trauma, the importance of your cultural values, or barriers that prevent access to services. This fact sheet was created to support you, celebrate your resilience, and share helpful information for your journey.
Categories: Family Engagement, IEP
Preguntas que los padres pueden hacer sobre el comportamiento (Questions Parents Can Ask About Behavior)
Aquí hay algunas preguntas que los padres pueden hacer en conversaciones o reuniones.
Categories: Behavior, IEP, Spanish
Key Questions to Ask During the IEP Process
During the IEP process, when determining your child's needs for an intervener, the following key questions are important to consider
Categories: IEP, NC Deaf-Blind Project
Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) Checklist
A MDR is a meeting held to consider if there is a connection between behavior that violates code of student conduct and a child’s disability when a student with an Individualized Education Program* (IEP) is facing a disciplinary change of placement such as long-term suspension, expulsion or move to an alternative school or homebound.
Categories: Behavior, IEP, Parent Rights, Special Education
Medical Condition/Clinical Diagnosis vs. Special Education Eligibility & Identification
Parents are often surprised to learn that their child’s medical condition or diagnosis, such as Autism, Dyslexia, Hearing Loss or muscle related disorders does not automatically qualify them for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Understanding the differences between a medical diagnosis and an educational determination of eligibility for special education services can help families become better advocates for their children.
Categories: Disability and Health Condition Specific Information, IEP, Special Education
IEP Tip Sheet: Age of Majority
This tip sheet introduces and briefly defines age of majority. The age of majority is defined by state law and is the age at which the child is no longer a minor and assumes rights and responsibilities to make certain legal decisions. To learn more, review the additional resources and check with state law for specific information about age of majority in your state.
Categories: IEP, Special Education, Transition to Adulthood, Transitions
IEP Tip Sheet: Transition Services
This tip sheet introduces and briefly defines transition services. To learn more, review the additional resources and check with state law for supplemental requirements.
Categories: IEP, Special Education, Transition to Adulthood, Transitions
IEP Tip Sheet: Dates, Frequency, Location and Duration of Services
This tip sheet provides information about dates, frequency, location, and duration of services. It includes a brief summary of federal regulations and tips for implementation. To learn more, review the additional resources and check with state law for additional requirements.
Categories: IEP, Special Education
IEP Tip Sheet: Participation in Assessment
This tip sheet provides information about participation in assessment and accommodations for assessments. It includes a brief summary of federal regulations and tips for implementation. To learn more, review the additional resources and check with state law for additional requirements.
Categories: IEP, Special Education
IEP Tip Sheet: Explanation of Educational Setting
This tip sheet introduces and briefly defines educational settings that promote access to and progress in general education programming and provides tips for implementation. To learn more, review the additional resources and check with state law for supplemental requirements.
Categories: IEP, Special Education
IEP tips to remember
- EVERY child can learn and make progress.
- The steps of the IEP Process must be followed in the correct order.
- The “I” in IEP stands for individualized. Your child’s IEP must reflect your child.
- The IEP should be specific, detailed and easily understandable by anyone – even if someone who is not a member of the current IEP Team.
- Special Education is NOT a place. Special Education is the supports and services your child receives through his or her IEP.
- On the IEP, Placement is NOT a location. Placement is the amount of time spent with special education services.
- Statements about your child’s Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance are critical parts of the IEP. They must be crystal clear and accurate.
- Goals need to be logical, measurable, and relevant to your child.
- The IEP Team should work together to reach a consensus. There is NO voting!
- Stay focused! Don’t get sidetracked.
- Parents are the constant – providing continuity to an ever-changing IEP Team.
- Lack of money and/or other resources does not exempt a school district from providing what a child needs.
- Don’t leave the meeting without a copy of your child’s IEP!
- Download a copy of ECAC’s IEP Checklist…and use it!