Guidance for Families about Special Education Services
About IEPs (Individualized Education Programs)

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the document that describes the special education program developed and designed by the IEP team (which includes parents) to address a student's unique needs. The IEP is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability.

Key points to keep in mind:

• The IEP is developed for a one-year period, but may be revised as needed.
• IEP forms may vary from district to district, but all must meet the same IEP requirements.
• OSPI has developed model forms for districts to help clarify (and simplify) IEP requirements. While developed for districts, these can be very informative for parents to review. All subjects addressed in these model IEP forms should be addressed in your child's IEP. (Model forms below)
• Whether or not the behavior of a student impedes the student's learning or that of others should be assessed during IEP development.