Why is getting an IEP so hard?

Many schools are reluctant to use IEPs for students because they are expensive and taxing. Often, parents have to advocate for aspects of their child's IEP—or to keep an IEP in place in general—because schools can be so resistant to them.

Why are IEPs hard to get?

Myth #1: Every child who struggles is guaranteed an IEP.

Fact: To qualify for special education services (and an IEP), students must meet two criteria. First, they must be formally diagnosed as having a disability. This is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

What is the downside of having an IEP?

Variability Across Settings: One of the disadvantages of an IEP is that its effectiveness can differ based on the school environment or the educators involved. Example: A student might receive meticulous support from one teacher, only to transition to another class where the same IEP feels largely ignored.

Why do schools resist IEP?

Rosenstock also pointed out that schools may resist an IEP because of a lack of knowledge regarding how to make progress on the behavior or impairment in question. For example, the IEP team may not know what goals would be relevant to target given the child's condition or what to expect regarding outcomes.

What should you not say at an IEP?

“I hardly know your child” or “I have only had your child for a couple of weeks and am still getting to know him.” As soon as this statement is made it conveys the impression that you should not be part of the IEP team because you do not know the child sufficiently to develop the IEP to meet the child's needs.

Early Signs of a Learning Disability or Learning Disorder

Can a teacher ignore an IEP?

The second thing is that following an IEP is not a teacher's choice to make. It's the law. But if that's not happening, for whatever reason, there are a number of things you can do. You can start by talking to your child's teacher.

Is an IEP a good or bad thing?

The IEP process is complex, but it's also an effective way to address how your child learns. If you have concerns, be sure to ask about the evaluation findings or the goals recommended by your child's IEP team.

Why do so many kids have IEP?

There can be dozens of reasons a student needs an IEP, including physical or mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and developmental delays. The increasing share of students who need special education can mean that a larger share of students aren't getting their needs met through regular education.

Does having an IEP affect getting a job?

A 504 is not legally enforceable and doesn't follow a child nor are there legal guidelines. An IEP will not stop your child from getting a job or from getting into college. In fact and college because they still would be entitled to assistance and the State of California may pay for their books.

How important is an IEP?

The IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve educational results for children with disabilities. The IEP is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability.

Does IEP affect college?

No, there is no special education placement or IEP in college. However, while the IEP process only applies to students until high school graduation, other laws protect the rights of disabled college students and their accommodations — and their IEP can be used as a starting point in obtaining those accommodations.

Can a child with an IEP be failed?

Yes, a child with an IEP can fail. However, it is rare for children with IEPs to fail classes. While an IEP does not guarantee that a child will not fail, it is unusual for a child with an IEP to fail.

Can you be too smart for an IEP?

Comments that Parents Hear: “Your child is too smart to have an IEP.” Fact: Intelligence has no bearing on disability or need. Even individuals with genius level IQs can have a disability that affects their ability to access the curriculum.

What makes a strong IEP?

SMART IEPs have measurable goals and objectives. Measurable means you can count or observe it. Measurable goals allow parents and teachers to know how much progress the child has made since the performance was last measured. With measurable goals, you will know when the child reaches the goal.

Is IEP or 504 better for ADHD?

Children with ADHD often receive services under Section 504 because the requirements for IDEA are more stringent. ADHD falls into the classification of Other Health Impaired (OHI).

Why does ADHD not qualify for an IEP?

Students can qualify for an IEP under any one (or more) of the IDEA's disability categories. ADHD typically falls under the “Other Health Impairment” (OHI) category. In determining eligibility, school teams must consider whether there is an adverse effect on the student's educational performance.

Does depression count for an IEP?

Emotional Disturbance

Anxiety disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are examples of emotional disorders a student may suffer that may qualify them for an IEP.

Will an IEP label my child?

An IEP is not about putting a “problem” label on your child or stigmatizing them; it's about establishing a personalized set of supports and resources that meet their individual needs, so they can thrive in school.

Does ADHD get you an IEP?

A doctor or medical healthcare professional could recognize and diagnose ADHD at any age, and some children learn they have ADHD when they are older. If a teenager receives an ADHD diagnosis, they still qualify for an IEP. If they are in high school, they must also join their IEP team.

Is a 504 the same as an IEP?

A 504 plan is geared toward ensuring a student has equitable access to a learning environment. An IEP focuses on educational benefits, and often includes direct services such as speech or occupational therapy. Both are free. Some students have both, and some just have one or the other.

How are sped kids born?

Low birthweight, premature birth, multiple birth, and infections during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk for many developmental disabilities.

Is autism a reason for an IEP?

Children with autism may struggle with language, have difficulty making friends, and exhibit repetitive behaviors or intense interests. An IEP for a child with autism should be designed to address these challenges and provide the support they need to succeed in school.

Is IEP or 504 better for anxiety?

Students with anxiety may require an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if they require Specially Designed Instruction and/or Related Services to address the anxiety. If a student's needs can be met with only accommodations, a Section 504 Agreement can be implemented.

How does IEP help children?

The IEP addresses the specific needs and current levels of performance of the student, and sets appropriate performance goals based on the student's current circumstances that will demonstrate that the student is receiving sufficient support to progress toward annual goals.

What are the 3 most important parts of an IEP?

The three parts of an IEP goal: current level of performance, specific and measurable goal, and service delivery all need to support each other. When you know your starting point, where you are going, and how you are going to get there, then your child's journey toward an appropriate education can be a rewarding one.