This can be a little confusing. You will not actually ask for an IEP for your child. When requesting an initial IEP, you are actually going to be asking for “assessments to determine eligibility for special education and related services.” That’s a mouthful of words, so it gets shortened to “IEP,” but that’s not really what you are requesting. If the assessments and IEP team determine that your child is eligible, then your child will have an IEP.
The IEP is the individual education program. It is the actual program that is written in a document that contains specific information about your child, including strengths and weaknesses, goals and objectives, services, accommodations, placement, etc.
It is very important that the request for assessments be submitted in writing and that your request be signed and dated. This will start the timelines, meaning that the school district must complete the assessments, write reports, and hold an IEP meeting within the timelines given in state and federal special education laws.
The federal law says that the assessments must be completed within 60 days, but state laws can change that timeline. Please refer to the parent’s procedural safeguards (or your state’s laws) to determine if the timelines are different.
The school district is obligated to assess in all areas of suspected disability, so you will want to describe different issues that you believe adversely affect your child’s learning.
You will need to put your name and address and other information to make the letter particular to your child’s needs. The content of the letter is written in first person plural or as if it is coming from two parents. Change the plural pronouns (we, us, our) to singular pronouns (I, me, my) if the letter is coming from one parent.
Whether submitting the letter by email or hand delivery, please see “About Submitting Documents.”
Remember to consult your state laws or the Procedural Safeguards provided by the school because timelines in your state may differ from those delineated in federal special education laws.
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