IEP Checklist for Parents

From NCLD's IDEA Parent Guide, Chapter 7: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Use this list to determine if your child's IEP contains all of the components required by IDEA. Remember to provide your input to the school in advance of your child's IEP meeting.

o YES o NO Is the information in your child's present level of performance (PLOP) clearly stated and supported with objective information and assessment or evaluation data, such as information from standardized testing, curriculum based measurements or performance on district or state-wide assessments?

o YES o NO Does the present level of performance (PLOP) section of the IEP contain information about the academic, developmental and functional needs of your child?

o YES o NO Are your concerns and expectations for your child included in the present level of performance (PLOP) section of the IEP?

o YES o NO Are your child's annual goals clearly stated and can they be measured?

o YES o NO Knowing the effects of your child's disability, do the annual goals directly relate to your child’s needs as stated in the present level of performance (PLOP)?

o YES o NO Is the specific way(s) to master the annual goals clearly stated?

o YES o NO Is the method(s) to monitor and evaluate your child's progress toward the annual goals clearly stated?

o YES o NO Does the IEP indicate the amount of time your child will spend in general education?

o YES o NO Are the special education services and related services recommended for your child supported by scientific research that supports their effectiveness? If not, what evidence has the school provided to indicate that the services and instructional methods proposed for your child have been found to be effective for children with similar learning difficulties and of similar age?

o YES o NO Does the IEP state who will be responsible for implementing the services listed?

o YES o NO Are the appropriate related services addressed on the IEP?

o YES o NO Do you know how the IEP content will be communicated and shared with the staff responsible for their implementation?

o YES o NO Are all of the appropriate accommodations listed?

o YES o NO Does the IEP indicate how your child will participate in state and district testing?

o YES o NO Have any potential consequences of your child's assessment participation been explained to you? Have you discussed whether your child may or may not be allowed to move on to the next grade or graduate with a regular diploma?

Your active participation in your child's IEP is critical to your child's success. Every state has additional laws or regulations, so be sure to contact your state's Parent Training and Information Center to obtain additional information specific to your state's IEP procedures.

NCLD's Parent Center is made possible by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, NCLD's Board of Directors and other committed parents and supporters.