Individualized Education Program (IEP)

"IEP" is short for "Individualized Education Program." It is a writen statement that is required to be developed by the school system for each child with a disability pursuant to the federal law known as the Individiuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 and the Virginia Special Education Regulations. An IEP is required to specify the unique educational needs of the child and to set forth what special education and related services are necessary to meet those needs.

Your child should have an IEP if he or she is a "child with a disability" who, because of that disability, requires special education and related services. In other words, an IEP is generally necessary for a child who has a disability that affects his or her educational performance and/or ability to learn.