The IEP Process: Step by Step
IEP stands for “Individualized Education Plan”. This plan is a document that is developed for each public school child who needs special education. The process for developing the plan can be a long road for parent, child and education provider but it doesn’t always have to be difficult.Our newsletter this month is dedicated to the IEP process and the steps generally involved in that process. We hope that this guideline helps to clarify any questions or apprehensions you may have regarding this process.
Step One: Pre-Referral
The IEP process is initiated through a series of pre-referral interventions. The interventions implemented vary depending on the kind of problem the student is exhibiting.
- Document and explain students’ difficulties and challenges
- Test the effectiveness of classroom accommodations and modifications
- Assess the power of various instructional interventions
- Monitor students’ progress
Step Two: Referral
If pre-referral interventions are unsuccessful, an individual is referred for special education services. Referrals can come from many different sources. In these cases, referrals can come from parents, a social service agency, public health nurses, day care professionals, or a doctor.
Typically, the referral process begins sooner for children with severe disabilities, because their disabilities are obvious at birth or during infancy. As children grow older, other signs often trigger referrals. For example, a toddler who is not walking by age two and a preschooler not talking by age three are both candidates for early referrals. As children get older, reasons for referrals change as well. Students whose academic performance is significantly behind that of their classmates or who continually misbehave and disrupt the learning environment often draw the attention of their teachers.
Step Three: Identification
Assessment is one foundation of the planning process. The purpose of this step in the IEP process is to determine whether a youngster has a disability, whether special education is required, and what types of services are needed.
Step Four: Eligibility
The information from the assessment step is used to identify students who actually have a disability and qualify for special education services.
Step Five: Development of the IEP
After thorough completion of the pre-referral, referral, evaluation, and eligibility steps of the IEP process, it is time to develop the actual individualized program plan—an individualized family service plan (IFSP) for infants and toddlers or an IEP for preschoolers and schoolchildren and a transition component of the IEP for those students with disabilities who are 16 years or older.
For those students who qualify for special education, the next step requires that parents and the IEP Team make decisions about appropriate education, services, and placement. The assessment results are used to help make these decisions.
Step Six: Implementation of the IEP
Once the IEP is developed, the student’s services and individualized program begin
Step Seven: Evaluation and Review
The purpose of such measurements of progress is to guide instruction and be sure those interventions scheduled are effective.
Stay Connected
It takes a village! Find community with local parents, support groups, Facebook communities, or other local organizations. Email us, or join us online: Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram – we’d love for you to connect with us!
Local Events & Resources
Dance For All – Inclusive Dance Class!
Saturdays, Weekly – 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
El Camino YMCA
2400 Grant Road, Mountain View CA 94040
This weekly class offers a safe and accepting environment where differences are accepted without judgment and special need participants can exercise side-by-side with their family members and other Y members. Attendees participate in a series of dances, choreographed to popular music enjoyed by youth, as well as Pilates-based exercise that exposes them to moves they would find in a number of other Y classes.
Learn more about this event online here
Cinelux Sensory-Friendly Films: The Ninjago Movie
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Designed for families who have toddlers or children with special needs who cannot sit through an entire feature without moving or being a little loud. These special shows feature brighter auditorium lighting and lower audio levels in an environment where guest interaction and movement is allowed and encouraged.
You can find more information online here
Technology Spotlight

Our Technology Spotlight this month is dedicated to our newest website: AisForAppleWorks.com
We have created this website to showcase the career opporunities at A Is For Apple, Inc. We’re always looking for talented and professional therapists to help fulfill a great need. Enjoy flexible hours, a fun and energetic work environment and the reward of making a difference in someone’s life.
We have a work/play culture in our office so that all employees enjoy their work and have fun and we have now have a space where we can showcase that.

Not only can you find a career on our new website, but you can instantly apply online and schedule an interview. This is pretty exciting! If you have someone you know that has a passion for working with children, and would like to work with children with special needs, share the website with them, we would love for them to explore careers with A is For Apple!
Ask A is for Apple
Have a question you would like answered? A story you would like to share? A testimony about your experience with A is For Apple? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us with your questions, stories or suggestions and it could be featured in our next newsletter or blog topic!
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