4.0 IEP/IFSP Standards

Individualized education program (IEP) planning and individualized family service plan (IFSP) planning are the processes of determining, based on assessment data, a child's or student's educational needs and then completing a written statement, such as an IEP or IFSP, that is developed, reviewed, and revised by a team of individuals. The team must consist of the required individuals as specified in state and federal law.

Each IEP or IFSP describes the educational program designed by the team to meet the child's or student's unique needs and must contain specific information about the child or student, as required by state and federal law. The district has a responsibility to ensure an IEP or IFSP is in effect for each eligible child or student; and is implemented as soon as possible after the team meeting; and is reviewed periodically, but not less than annually, to determine whether the annual goals for the child or student are being achieved. The district must also provide special education and related services to an eligible child or student in accordance with the IEP or IFSP, and make a good faith effort to the assist the child or student to achieve the goals and objectives listed in the IEP or IFSP.

Required Policies

A district must include in its comprehensive, documented TSES plan a description of its method for providing special education services for identified students, including a description of the full range of available educational services, sites available where services may occur, and available instruction and related services. Minn. R. 3525.1100, subp. 2(B).

Through their Interagency Early Intervention Committees, districts are required to develop and implement policies and procedures related to development of IFSPs and IEPs, and transitional plans. These policies and procedures must be included in the district's comprehensive, documented TSES plan.

Each district must develop a policy that describes the district's procedures for implementing the use of conditional interventions with pupils. Section 4.09.01 of the Generic TSES Manual describes the required components of this policy. The policy must be included in the district's TSES plan.

Legal Citations

Individualized education program or IEP means a written statement for a child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with §§ 300.320 through 300.324. 34 C.F.R. § 300.22.

The State must ensure that an IEP, or an IFSP that meets the requirements of section 636(d) of the Act, is developed, reviewed, and revised for each child with a disability in accordance with §§ 300.320 through 300.324, except as provided in § 300.300(b)(3)(ii). 34 C.F.R. § 300.112.

The LEA, in providing for the education of children with disabilities within its jurisdiction, must have in effect policies, procedures, and programs that are consistent with the State policies and procedures established under §§ 300.101 through 300.163, and §§ 300.165 through 300.174. 34 C.F.R. § 300.201.

If a determination is made that a child has a disability and needs special education and related services, an IEP must be developed for the child in accordance with §§ 300.320 through 300.324. 34 C.F.R. § 300.306(c)(2).

As used in parts 3525.0200 to 3525.4770, the terms defined in this part have the meanings given them.

"Individualized education program" or "IEP" means a written statement for each pupil that is developed, reviewed, and revised in a meeting in accordance with this part. Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(A).

"Individualized family service plan" or "IFSP" means a written plan for providing services to a pupil and the pupil's family through interagency agreements. Procedural and program requirements for the IEP also apply to the educational components of the IFSP. Minn. R. 3525.0210, subp. 28

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Items to Demonstrate Compliance