Understanding IEP

Printable guides, checklists, and articles to help you navigate your child's IEP process. Free with a quick sign-up.

The documents on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified special education advocate or attorney for guidance specific to your child's situation.

IEP Meeting Checklist

A printable checklist of questions to ask before, during, and after your child's IEP meeting — organized by topic so nothing gets missed.

IEP School Placement Guide

A comprehensive guide to evaluating schools for your child with a disability — what to look for, how to compare options, and a side-by-side comparison worksheet organized by support intensity level.

IEP Process Guide

A step-by-step walkthrough of the full IEP process — from referral and evaluation through eligibility, the IEP meeting, placement, and progress reviews.

California State IEP Guide

Complete guide to the IEP process in California — SDC/SELPA, timelines, and parent rights.

Texas State IEP Guide

Complete guide to the ARD process in Texas — FIE evaluation, timelines, and parent rights.

Florida State IEP Guide

Complete guide to the ESE process in Florida — Matrix Levels, timelines, and parent rights.

New York State IEP Guide

Complete guide to the CSE process in New York — classification, SEIT, and parent rights.

Illinois State IEP Guide

Complete guide to the IEP process in Illinois — Joint Agreements, ISBE timelines, and parent rights.

Pennsylvania State IEP Guide

Complete guide to NOREP and Chapter 14 in Pennsylvania — PaTTAN, timelines, and parent rights.

IEP Guides & Articles

Illustrated family learning about the IEP process with an open document

What Is an IEP?

Learn what an IEP is, who it is for, and what it legally requires schools to provide for your child.

Illustrated parent using a printed checklist and taking notes at a desk

How to Use These IEP Guides

A step-by-step explanation of how to get the most out of the free IEP checklists and placement guides.

Illustrated parent confidently holding a document representing legal rights

Your Rights as a Parent Under IDEA

A clear summary of the federal rights every parent has at every stage of the IEP process.

Illustrated parent reviewing school data and statistics on a laptop

What Does 'Students with Disabilities %' Mean in School Data?

Understand what the SWD % column means and how to use it when comparing schools for your child.

Illustrated comparison of IEP and 504 plan documents side by side

IEP vs. 504 Plan: What's the Difference?

A plain-language comparison of the two most common school support plans and how to know which one fits your child.

Illustrated parent reviewing school scores and ratings

How Schools Are Scored: SWD Support & IEP-Ready

Plain-language guide to the SWD Support Score (IAIAS), the IEP-Ready Score, intensity tiers, and what the warnings on each district mean.