• Initial Individual Education Plan

     
    Once a student is determined eligible and classified "eligible for special education and related services" the team will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for that student. N.J.A.C. 6A: 14-3.7

     

    Timeframe

    A meeting to develop the initial IEP shall be held within 30 calendar days of a determination of eligibility.

    Meeting Participants
    • Parent
    • Student (when appropriate)
    • General Education/Special Education Teacher(s)
    • At least 1 CST member who can interpret evaluations
    • Case Manager
    • At the discretion of the parent or school district, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the student, including related services personnel as appropriate.

    Written Notes/Copy of the IEP

    Either a copy of the IEP or written notes setting forth agreements with respect to the IEP as determined by the IEP team shall be provided to the parents at the conclusion of the meeting. N.J.A.C. 6A: 14-3.7(l)

    Written Notice

    Written notice and proposed actions shall include:

    • Proposed IEP
    • Proposed educational placement
    • A request for written consent
    • A copy of the short procedural safeguards statement

    Consideration

    The parent may agree to the IEP during the meeting or has the right to consider the proposed program for up to 15 calendar days.

    Initial IEP Implementation

    When the team and parent have reached signed agreement, the proposed IEP will be implemented within 15 calendar days.

     

    What is an Individualized Education Program?

    After your child is determined to be eligible for special education and related services, a meeting will be held to develop your child’s IEP. The IEP is a written plan that describes in detail your child’s special education program. The IEP should describe how your child currently performs and your child’s specific instructional needs. The IEP must include detailed and measurable annual goals and short-term objectives or benchmarks.

    Who must attend the IEP Meeting

    Except when a member of the IEP team has been excused from attending the meeting with parental consent in accordance with NJAC 6A:14 the following persons must attend IEP meetings:

    • Student, if appropriate;
    • Parent;
    • Not less than one general education teacher (to the extent appropriate), if the student is or will be participating in regular education;
    • Not less than one special education teacher (or special education provider where appropriate);
    • At least one child study team member;
    • Case manager;
    • School district representative;
    • Others at the discretion of the parent or school district; and
    • If transition will be discussed at the IEP, a representative of any other agency likely to provide or pay for services.

    You have the right to:

    • Copies of your child’s IEP;
    • Bring others with you to the meeting;
    • Record IEP meetings if you inform the other persons orally or in writing, prior to the meeting stating that you intend to record the meeting;
    • Record IEP meetings if you inform the case manager in writing prior to the meeting stating that you intend to record the meeting;
    • Have the IEP implemented within 90 days of the school district’s receipt of your consent for the first evaluation;
    • Have the IEP implemented as soon as possible following the IEP meeting;
    • Have the IEP reviewed at least annually; and
    • Have extended school year services considered by the IEP team.