The IEP Team

The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team plays a crucial role in developing, reviewing, and revising an IEP for a child with a disability. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the IEP team should generally consist of the following members:

1. Parents or Guardians: Have the right to be involved in all decisions affecting their child’s education.
2. Special Education Teacher: A teacher who is qualified to provide special education services to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
3. General Education Teacher: At least one general ed teacher who can discuss standard curriculum to meet the child’s needs.
4. District Representative: Someone qualified to provide or supervise special education services and is knowledgeable about the general curriculum and resources the district can provide.
5. Evaluation Personnel: An individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results, such as a school psychologist or educational diagnostician.
6. Other Experts: As appropriate, individuals with specialized expertise relevant to the child’s education, such as therapists, counselors, or medical doctors.
7. The Student: When appropriate, especially as transition planning for post-school life becomes relevant, the student should also be included.
8. Advocate or Advisor: Parents often bring an advisor or advocate to help navigate the process, although this is not required.