Students who qualify for the learning disabilities classification are entitled to a formal plan that describes how the school will support your child’s educational needs. Learn how these statements—called the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan—are developed and monitored.
Laura Kaloi, Public Policy Director at the National Center for Learning Disabilities, explains the ins and outs of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in this informative video. More >
Our new e-book, 50 Questions About LD, is filled with answers to common LD questions. Topics include: how to deal with the “LD” label, RTI and working with your child’s school, the emotional impact of learning disabilities at school and home, preparing teens for college and work, and related issues like AD/HD and giftedness. More >
How involved should you get with your child's IEP? Should your child attend his or her own IEP meetings? Markay Winston, Chief Officer of Instructional Learning Supports for Chicago Public Schools, provides insights into these two often-asked questions. More >
If your child has a learning disability, a 504 Plan may be a good option to support K-12 educational needs. In this video, NCLD Public Policy Director Laura Kaloi explains what a 504 Plan is and how eligibility works. More >
Cada niño de la escuela pública que recibe educación especial y servicios relacionados debe tener un Programa de Educación Individualizado (PEI). Cada PEI debe estar diseñado para un estudiante y debe ser un documento verdaderamente individualizado. El PEI crea una oportunidad ... More >
Educación pública, apropiada y gratis”, nunca 4 palabras han tenido tanto poder para determinar las posibilidades de que un niño tenga una educación significativa. “FAPE” (siglas en inglés de “Free Appropriate Public Education) es el propósito central de nuestra ley fede... More >
Here are some suggestions to help you feel more at ease and able to participate as a full member of the team that plans your child's special education program.
Before the meeting
Build a positive relationship with at least one person on the IEP team, such as classroom teach... More >
Conozco a pocos padres que anhelan asistir a la reunión del equipo del Programa de Educación Individualizado (PEI) de su hijo. Los PEI son difíciles de leer. Comprender el lenguaje y legalidad de un PEI puede ser abrumador. Muchos padres se sienten tan intimidados por este document... More >
Some of the statements made to parents at IEP meetings are "conversation stoppers" — comments that create barriers and can prevent the IEP team from working cooperatively to develop effective special education services and supports for students with disabilities.
Here are ... More >
My name is Alex, and I am the father of twin second graders, Holly and Josh, who attend elementary school in Delaware. Holly and Josh were born 12 weeks premature. Their pre-maturity resulted in both children having hydrocephalous as well as various learning disabilities. I have part... More >
My son Jay was identified with multiple learning disabilities when he was just a toddler. When he was admitted to a school in New York for special education students, no one knew whether he could ever learn to read. I do not know where in his soul he found the drive and motivation, ... More >
When you are making a decision about how to seek support for your child at school it’s important to know your options to request help under the federal law. There are two laws for K-12 students in public school that may offer supports and services: the Individuals with Disabilities ... More >
IDEA 2004 provides that certain IEP team members can be excused from attending all or part of an IEP meeting. However, if a member requests excusal and his/her area of curriculum or related services will be discussed in the meeting, that member must notify the IEP team (which includ... More >
For the past several years, teachers and parents have been encouraged to let high school students in special education take a more active role in their own IEP meetings. When a high school student participates in this way, he develops and hones his self-advocacy and self-determinatio... More >
This Parent Perspective features Alex, the father of twin second graders who both have Hydrocephalus (a medical condition also known as "Water on the Brain") as well as various learning disabilities. Alex has attended IEP meetings since his children were three years old. Through his s... More >
The Individualized Education Program (or IEP) lays out the school’s commitment to provide special education and related services to your child. Developed annually, an IEP must be tailored to the individual needs of your child, with your involvement and input. Once formulated, the IE... More >
This podcast features Dr. Margaret McLaughlin, Professor in the Department of Special Education and Associate Director of the Institute for the Study of Exceptional Children and Youth, University of Maryland and Laura Kaloi, NCLD's Director of Public Policy.Dr. McLaughlin discusses th... More >
The following is a transcription of the podcast, “Standards-Based Individualized Education Program (Audio).”
In this podcast on standards-based IEPs Laura Kaloi, NCLD’s Director of Public Policy, interviews Dr. Margaret McLaughlin, professor in the Department of Spe... More >
In this Parent Perspective, Ilise, the mother of student with multiple learning disabilities discusses why she felt that her son Jay needed to attend every IEP meeting. She felt that If he was going to understand what was happening in his education, he had to be part of the process,... More >
A 504 Plan can be an effective way to support a K-12 student in the regular classroom when the child’s learning disability (LD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) may not be impacting their learning in ways that qualify them for special education services, but when ... More >
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a formal commitment from the school that outlines the services and support it will provide to an eligible child in order for the child to benefit from the educational program. An IEP must be developed before a student can begin receiving s... More >
If your child is struggling in school due to a learning disability, a 504 Plan may be a good option for supporting your child’s K-12 educational needs. Before you decide whether to pursue a 504 Plan for your child, you’ll need to learn about the similarities and differences betwee... More >
YOUR IEP ROADMAP
What does the road to the IEP look like, and what are alternative paths? Our new infographic, "Your IEP Roadmap," clears up confusion about what to do first, now, or next.
> Infographic: The IEP Process> Top 10 Things to Know About IEPs> Five Miscon... More >
Given the complexity of the IEP and IEP process—and its importance to a child’s education—it’s understandable that parents often feel overwhelmed. In fact, the whole IEP process can be an emotional roller coaster, as we learned from a survey we conducted in 2012. We asked pare... More >
If your child is struggling in school because of a learning disability (LD), an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) might be an option to support his or her K-12 educational needs. Every public school child who receives special education and related services must have an IEP, and it... More >
Learning the Language of Special EducationAs parents of children with special needs we pride ourselves on being experts. Unfortunately, too often we are expected to be experts in the field of public education, special education, and research-based educational best practices, written i... More >
My child’s teacher knows what’s in my child’s IEP.
Unfortunately, you can’t assume that your child’s teacher knows what’s in your child’s IEP. It’s important that parents make an effort to meet with the teacher and others working with or supporting your child’s ... More >
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the key document for every child who is eligible for special education services. The IEP clearly states what the child’s needs are and how the school will deliver the necessary special education and related services to that student. This... More >
PLAAFP, or Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (referred to in some states as “PLOP,” or Present Level of Performance) is, as an NCLD parent leader puts it, the heart, soul, and fidelity of your child’s IEP. It details your child’s disability and h... More >
It’s true that the earlier a child’s LD is identified and addressed, the greater his chances of success. However, there are many reasons why some children aren’t identified until middle school or high school. Depending on the type and severity of the specific LD and a child’s ... More >
Making Changes to the IEPAfter the initial IEP is finalized or later IEPs are agreed upon (usually annually), IDEA 2004 provides new ways that parents and schools can make changes:
Once the annual IEP team meeting has taken place, schools and parents are allowed to amend or change ... More >
Is your child moving to a new school this year? A move like this—or even the jump to a new grade level—can be a stressful transition for you and your child. One concern: Perhaps you’re worried about how well the IEP, or Individualized Education Program, will make the transition ... More >
Recently a senior at our high school in the Bronx, who we’ll call Maria, realized that there will be some huge changes when she starts college. The consistent attention, specialized instruction, and accommodations she is currently guaranteed by her Individualized Education Plan (IEP... More >
After the IEP team develops the initial IEP for your child, you and all other IEP team members will be asked to sign the document. By signing, you give your informed consent for the school to start providing special education services to your child. You don't have to sign the IEP at t... More >
Why You Should Read Your Child’s IEPSince 1993, when the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a child with an IEP was only entitled to an education that was the equivalent of a “serviceable Chevrolet,” and not to a Cadillac, much has been made about the rights of a child wi... More >
The following is an excerpt from the article “The IEP Team: The Law, the Reality, and the Dream,” by NCLD parent leader and educational advocate, Marcie Lipsitt. The Dream IEP TeamIf only? Parents are there: confident, ready, and relaxed. I walk in as the educational advocate and ... More >
My child is struggling 
Now that my child has 
