Title:A Guide for Minnesota Parents to the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Resource Image
Resource Description
Every child is unique and learns in different ways. Your child has been identified as needing special education services to support his or her learning at school. You can play a major role in shaping the services your child receives.
This resource has been written for you — the parent, guardian, or surrogate parent of a child (ages 3 to 21 or graduation) with disabilities who receives special education services in a Minnesota public school or charter school. Please refer to the Appendix for a full definition on who may serve in the role of parent.
This resource will help you understand the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the importance of your participation in developing your child’s IEP. You are a required member of your child’s IEP team, and your ideas must always be considered in any decisions the IEP team makes.
The development of the IEP is required as part of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004), its regulations (known as 34 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 300 and 301), and state special education rules and statutes in Minnesota. The federal regulations, which have the force of law, explain how the law will be carried out.
Each state implements the federal laws somewhat differently. This guidebook will help you understand how the IEP process is carried out in Minnesota public schools, which includes charter schools. For more materials on the special education process, you may contact PACER or visit our section "Understanding the Special Education Process." If your child qualifies for special education and attends a private school or is home schooled, you may call PACER Center for more information on special education for these students.
Request a copy of A Guide for Minnesota Parents to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) by clicking the checkout button.