The IEP

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement of our plan to provide your child with a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in their Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

Least Restrictive Environment 

This means that your child will be in schools and classrooms with non-disabled peers for as much of the day as appropriate. This could include general education classrooms, special areas, lunch, and wellness.  

Eligibility

The ARC, which includes you the parent, will determine if your child is eligible for ECE services and requires an IEP. Your child can meet eligibility criteria for one or more disability area.  You can learn more about the eligibility requirements for each disability area on the Kentucky Department of Education website here:  Special Education Forms - Eligibility Determination

The disability must negatively impact your child’s performance in school and/or ability to benefit from the general education curriculum.

Exclusionary Factors

The ARC must determine that none of the following factors have had a substantial impact on the student's educational performance:

• A lack of appropriate instruction in reading or math

• Limited English Proficiency 

• Environmental, cultural, or economic factors

• Excessive absences

• Limited or no participation in preschool or other developmental opportunities

• Behavioral problems unrelated to suspected disability 

Contents of the IEP

Your child’s IEP includes information about him/her, and the unique strengths and needs that are considered to develop a plan of the appropriate ECE supports and services that will allow your child to access, participate and progress in the general education curriculum. 

The following are major sections of the IEP:

• Present Levels of Performance - A description of how your child is currently doing in school. This includes:

• • • Evaluation results

    • Academic achievement

    • Social development

    • Physical development

    • Behavioral Needs/Strategies

• Measurable Annual Goals - Academic, social, behavioral, and/or physical goals that can be reasonably met in a school year.

• Progress Reports - A description of when you will receive updates on your child’s progress.

• Recommended ECE Services and Accommodations - A list of the programs and accommodations your child requires in order to access, participate and progress in the general education curriculum. This includes the date the programs and services will begin, how often they will be provided, where they will be provided (in the classroom or another school location), and the length of each session.

• Participation with Students without Disabilities - The extent to which your child will participate in general education classes and other school activities with his/her non-disabled peers.

• Participation in State and District-Wide Assessments - This section identifies if your child will participate in the same State and district-wide assessments that are given to general education students or if your child will participate in alternate assessments for students with severe cognitive disabilities. Regardless of the type of assessment in which your child participates, s/he may have testing accommodations.

• Transition Services - Transition services are included on the first IEP that will be in effect when your child is 14 years old. Transition services include a coordinated set of activities, services, and supports that will support your child's movement from school to post-school life with goals of education, employment, and independent living as appropriate. Find out more information here: Transition Services Information

Consenting to Services

After the IEP is developed, the ARC team will ask you for written permission to start services. We will not arrange for any services to be provided until we receive your informed consent to do so.

You can withdraw your consent for ECE services at any time. After withdrawing consent, you have the right to change your mind. If you later decide you want your child to be evaluated again for ECE services, you must request a new referral.  

Annual Review

At least once a year, an ARC meeting must be held to discuss a student’s IEP including:

• Progress toward his or her goals

• Review of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the ECE services provided to determine the services and goals for the following year

In addition to the required annual review, a review of the current IEP can be requested by you or another ARC member at any time.  

Reevaluation

A reevaluation must be completed once every three years. If new assessment pieces are needed, you will be asked to provide consent. Consent means you are giving your permission for the requested assessment pieces to be conducted.

All written reports will be shared with you when the reevaluation is completed. The ARC, including you, will meet to review the IEP recommendations given the new information.

A reevaluation can also be requested by you or school staff before the three years have passed.