What is an IEP in Arizona? An IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. For a student to be eligible to receive an IEP, they must attend public school or charter schools. An IEP is covered under a federal statute which is titled: Individuals with Disability Education Act. And so, to get an IEP, the process starts by either the parents of the student or the school district themselves, requiring or requesting that the student be screened or tested. And after that testing process, there’s a clear picture of the student’s strengths and challenges. Once that information has been gathered, then the process of creating an IEP begins. An IEP is a legally binding document that finds all parties to the terms of the agreement and in an IEP, it addresses any programs, services, or support needed for that student or to meet any of their unique needs.
Parents can also get involved in this process. As I just had previously said, they can request their child be screened or request that they’re provided services or an IEP. And then, they also can sit in on the meetings such annual IEP meeting, and advocate for their child for what services need to be provided. Also, attorneys, special education attorneys may also sit in on those meetings and can also advocate for parents and their children. If you are in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area, here at Chelle Law, we are happy to set up a consultation with you to explain your rights for not only parents but also children. And then also explain the whole IEP process. If you also disagree with the school district’s findings or the programs that they have put in place, you also have rights underneath federal law to fight the findings from the school as well.
