What is an IEP?

A Parent's Guide to Individualized Education Programs

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document under United States federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA) that outlines the special education instruction, supports, and services a student with a disability needs to thrive in school.

Who Needs an IEP?

To qualify for an IEP, a child must meet two criteria:

  1. They must have a qualifying disability (such as Autism, Specific Learning Disability, ADHD, Speech/Language Impairment, etc.)
  2. The disability must adversely affect their educational performance, meaning they require specialized instruction to make progress.

What is Inside an IEP?

Every IEP must contain specific components:

  • Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP): How your child is doing right now.
  • Annual Goals: Measurable goals your child is expected to achieve in one year.
  • Special Education Services: The specialized instruction they will receive.
  • Accommodations and Modifications: Changes to how they learn (e.g., extra time) or what they are expected to learn.
  • LRE (Least Restrictive Environment): An explanation of the extent to which the child will not participate with non-disabled peers.

How OurIEP Can Help

IEPs are incredibly complex, often running 15-40 pages filled with educational jargon and legal terms. OurIEP is an on-device AI app that takes your child's IEP PDF and translates it into plain language, helping you understand their goals, accommodations, and services so you can advocate effectively.

Learn more about OurIEP