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Understanding Your Child's IEP

Learn how to read and understand every section of your child's IEP document, from goals and services to placement decisions.

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Reviewed 4 months ago
Pocket IEP Team
Special Education Advocates & Legal Experts
Our team of special education advocates, attorneys, and parent mentors brings decades of experience helping families navigate the IEP process.

Understanding Your Child's IEP: A Parent's Guide

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document that outlines your child's special education services. Understanding each section helps you advocate effectively for your child.

What is an IEP?

An IEP is a written plan that describes:

  • Your child's current academic and functional performance
  • Annual goals for improvement
  • Special education services and supports
  • How progress will be measured
  • Placement in the least restrictive environment

    • Key Sections of an IEP

    1. Present Levels of Performance (PLOP)

    This section describes where your child is right now:
  • Academic performance: Reading, writing, math skills
  • Functional performance: Social skills, behavior, daily living skills
  • Strengths and needs: What your child does well and areas for growth

    • What to look for:

  • Specific, measurable descriptions
  • Both strengths and challenges included
  • Recent data and examples
  • Connection to how disability affects learning

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