IEP Guides for Parents

Plain-language guides to help you navigate your child's IEP and special education rights with confidence.

• How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting: A Parent Checklist
  A step-by-step guide for parents on how to prepare for an IEP meeting — what to bring, questions to ask, your rights, and how to advocate for your child with confidence.
• What to Do If the School Isn’t Following Your Child’s IEP
  If your school is not following the IEP, you have options. Learn the exact steps — from documentation to formal complaints — to enforce your child’s IEP under IDEA.
• IEP vs 504 Plan: What’s the Difference and Which Does My Child Need?
  IEP vs 504 Plan explained for parents: the key differences, who qualifies, what each provides, and how to decide which is right for your child.
• How to Request an IEP Evaluation (With a Sample Letter)
  Learn how to request a special education evaluation for your child — who can request, how to write the letter, timelines, and what happens next under IDEA.
• How to Read Your Child’s IEP: A Section-by-Section Guide
  An IEP can be dozens of pages of jargon. This guide walks you through each section — present levels, goals, services, accommodations — so you know what to look for.
• IEP & IDEA Timelines Every Parent Should Know
  A plain-language guide to the key IDEA timelines — evaluation, eligibility, IEP development, annual reviews, reevaluations, and dispute deadlines.