What should be included in my child's IEP?

An IEP is only as strong as its details. A vague IEP is hard to enforce; a specific one tells everyone exactly what your child will get and how you'll know it's working. Here's what IDEA requires an IEP to include — and what to look for in each part.

Present levels of performance (PLAAFP)

This is the foundation: a clear, current picture of how your child is doing academically and functionally, and how the disability affects their involvement in the general curriculum. Strong present levels use data and specifics, not generalities. Every goal should trace back to a need described here.

Measurable annual goals

Goals should be measurable, not aspirational. "Will improve reading" is not measurable; "will read a grade-3 passage at 90 words per minute with 95% accuracy" is. Each goal needs a baseline, a target, and a way to measure progress. Ask: how will we know if this goal is met?

Services, supports, and specially designed instruction

• The special education and related services (speech, OT, counseling, etc.) — with frequency, duration, and location;
• Supplementary aids and services and program modifications;
• Accommodations for instruction and for testing;
• Any assistive technology or supports for school staff.

Watch for specifics: "speech therapy, 30 minutes, twice weekly, small group" tells you far more than "speech services as needed."

Progress monitoring

The IEP must say how progress toward each goal will be measured and how often you'll be told. You're entitled to regular progress reports — commonly each grading period — not just an annual update.

Placement and LRE

The IEP describes where services happen and explains the extent, if any, to which your child will not participate with non-disabled peers. Removal from the general classroom must be justified.

Other required pieces

Depending on your child, the IEP may also address behavior (with an FBA/BIP), extended school year services, transition planning (by age 16, or earlier in some states), and how the child will participate in state testing.

Your role

You are a full member of the IEP team. Bring your own input in writing, ask that your concerns be documented, and don't sign anything you don't understand or agree with — you can consent to parts, ask for changes, or request Prior Written Notice for anything the team declines.

Dr. Long's Assistant answers your specific questions in plain language — built from Dr. Long's expertise, plus state and federal law read at the source — never the open internet.

Related questions

• Are my child's IEP goals measurable?
• Can an IEP include accommodations?
• What services should my child receive?

← Browse all answers