What happens once my child is found eligible for special education under the IDEA?

Once your child has been determined to be eligible for special education, an IEP team meeting will be held to develop an Individualized Education Plan (“IEP”) for your child. The IEP team will consist of the parents, your child’s teacher, a special education teacher, and a school district representative known as the “LEA” (the local educational agency representative.) This team will develop an IEP which will set forth your child’s special education program. There are several required components of an IEP, including present education levels which describe where your child is currently functioning, measurable annual goals, expected levels of achievement, a statement of the specially designed instruction that will be provided to your child, any related services that are necessary for your child, and a statement of the child’s special education placement. You will then be asked to either approve or disapprove your child’s proposed IEP and educational placement by signing a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (“NOREP”). Once you approve the NOREP, your child will begin receiving the services outlined in the IEP.

This Q&A was found on Special Education Lawyers in Pennsylvania - Connolly, Jacobson & John, LLP : http://www.cjjedlaw.com/modules/smartfaq/faq.php?faqid=4