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IEP Guides for Parents

Guías de IEP para Padres

Plain-language articles on IEP law, parent rights, and how to advocate for your child. Written by a special needs parent. Free, always. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Artículos en lenguaje sencillo sobre la ley IEP, los derechos de los padres y cómo abogar por su hijo. Escritos por un padre de familia. Gratis, siempre.

No account required Sin cuenta requerida Bilingüe EN / ES IDEA-accurate Basado en la ley IDEA Built by a parent Hecho por un padre
IEP Meetings
Prepare, participate, and follow up
Checklist

IEP Meeting Checklist for Parents

What to do before, during, and after your child's IEP meeting. Includes 10 questions every parent should ask.

Parent Rights

Can a Parent Request an IEP Meeting at Any Time?

Yes, and you don't have to wait for the annual review. Here's what the law says, when to request one, and exactly what to write.

Prep Guide

How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting

Step-by-step guide to walking in informed: what to review, what to bring, and how to speak up for your child.

Toolkit

IEP Meeting Survival Kit

Everything you need in one place: questions, scripts, and what to do when the meeting doesn't go as planned.

Advocacy

School Denied the IEP, What to Do

Your child was found ineligible or the school said no. Here is what the law says you can do next.


Parent Rights & Law
Know what the law already guarantees you
Rights

Your Rights as an IEP Parent

A complete breakdown of your federally guaranteed rights under IDEA, in plain language, with the actual law behind each one.

Law

What is FAPE? Free Appropriate Public Education

FAPE is the cornerstone of special education law. Here is what it means, what it guarantees, and how to use it.

Law

What is Prior Written Notice?

Before the school changes anything about your child's IEP, they must tell you in writing. Here is what that means and why it matters.

Action Guide

How to Request an IEP Evaluation

You can request an evaluation in writing at any time. Here is exactly how to do it and what to expect.

Early Intervention

IFSP vs IEP: What Changes at 3

Two different plans under two different parts of the law, and eligibility for the IEP is not automatic. The exact transition timeline, explained.

Comparison

IEP vs. 504 Plan: What is the Difference?

Both provide support, but they are not the same. Learn which one fits your child's needs and how to ask for the right one.

Goals

IEP Goals: Examples, Explained

What a strong IEP goal looks like, what a weak one looks like, and how to spot the difference before you sign.

Rights

You Don't Have to Sign the IEP at the Meeting

Most parents sign on the spot because everyone is waiting. You don't have to. Here is what the law actually says and what to do instead.

Transition

Turning 18 With an IEP: What Actually Changes

Transition planning starting at 16, the transfer of rights, SSI/SSDI work incentives, and guardianship alternatives, explained step by step.

Moving

Moving With an IEP: What Happens to Services

Comparable services on day one, what records to bring, and the military Interstate Compact's special-education rules, explained step by step.


By Condition
IEPs look different for every child
Autism

IEP for Autism: What to Know and Ask For

Autism-specific IEP rights, the BIP requirement, ESY eligibility, and what a strong autism IEP actually contains.

ADHD

IEP for ADHD: Rights, Goals, and Accommodations

ADHD qualifies for an IEP under IDEA. Here is what parents need to know about eligibility, goals, and what to ask for.

Dyslexia

IEP for Dyslexia: What Parents Need to Know

Dyslexia can qualify for special education. Here is how to make the case and what the IEP should include.

Anxiety

IEP for Anxiety: When and How to Qualify

Anxiety can qualify under Emotional Disturbance or OHI. Here is what the eligibility criteria look like and what to document.


Quick References
Decode the language of special education
Reference

IEP Acronym Decoder

FAPE, LRE, BIP, ESY, PWN, decoded. Every acronym you will hear in an IEP meeting, explained in plain language.

Reference

IEP Glossary: Terms Every Parent Should Know

A plain-language glossary of the most common special education terms you will encounter in documents and meetings.

Guide

The Complete IEP Parent Rights Guide

A deeper dive into your procedural safeguards, what each right means and how to use it if the school is not cooperating.

Directory

Free IEP Help Directory

Real, free organizations, national and Washington State, that help families with IEPs, disputes, and bilingual support.

Take Claudia to every IEP meeting

Ask questions, get answers with the law behind them, and walk in prepared. Free on iOS and Android.

The IEP Room

Free IEP tips, guides, and parent stories every week.

Recursos gratuitos para padres de niños con IEP, en inglés y español.

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