Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IEP?
An IEP is an individualized education program or plan that is created for a child who has academic needs as a result of his/her disability. All children with IEPs have disabilities, but not all children with disabilities have IEPs.
How do I know if my child needs to be evaluated?
Your child may need to be evaluated if he/she is failing to meet grade or age level expectations after receiving at-risk supports. If your child already has an IEP and is still not progressing academically, a reevaluation may be warranted. Parents have the right to request an initial or reevaluation through their child's public school.
What is the difference between a classification and a diagnosis?
A special education classification is the category under which a student is receiving services. There are 13 classifications defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. A child must meet criteria for one of the 13 classifications in order to qualify for services. A diagnosis can be obtained from a clinician outside of the school setting; however, the diagnosis does not necessarily dictate the classification recommendation. Not every child with a diagnosis or disability will qualify for special education. In order to be eligible for special education services, the child's disability must impact their ability to access the general education curriculum. Children with disabilities who do not qualify for special education are still eligible for accommodations under Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
How can my child get testing accommodations?
Any child with a documented disability can be considered for testing accommodations. Your child does not need an IEP in order to received testing accommodations; however, he/she will need a 504 plan. If your child already has an IEP, a separate 504 plan is not required. Schools receiving federal funding are required to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.
Will my child receive services in school if I get him/her evaluated?
The evaluation results do not guarantee any program or service recommendations that will be made by the child's school. The IEP team, which must include the child's parent and teacher, determine whether or not the child is eligible for services and what the service recommendations will be. The child's evaluation report is one piece of information that will be considered when making the determination. While the school makes the final determination, parents have the right to appeal any decisions they disagree with.