What is an IEP? The IEP, Individualized Education Plan, is a written document that's developed for each public school child who is eligible for special education. The IEP is created through a team effort and reviewed at least once a year. Before an IEP can be written, your child must be eligible for special education. By federal law, a team must determine that (1) he/she is a child with a disability and (2) he/she requires special education and related services to benefit from the general education program. Who Needs an IEP? A child who has difficulty learning and functioning and has been identified as a special needs student is the perfect candidate for an IEP. Kids struggling in school may qualify for support services, allowing them to be taught in a special way, for reasons such as:     * learning disabilities     * attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)     * emotional disorders     * mental retardation     * autism     * hearing impairment     * visual impairment     * speech or language impairment     * developmental delay How Are Services Delivered? In most cases, the services and goals outlined in an IEP can be provided in a standard school environment. This can be done in the regular classroom or in a special resource room in the regular school. The resource room can serve a group of kids with similar needs who are brought together for help. The goal of IDEA is to ensure that each child is educated in the least restrictive environment possible, effort is made to help kids stay in a regular classroom. However, when needs are best met in a special class, then kids might be placed in one. For more information, the government has a website to educate anyone about IDEA: http://idea.ed.gov.           IEP and Inclusion Tips for Parents