Naperville Schools ensures every student, regardless of ability, has access to a quality education.
For those students with disabilities who qualify for extra support, a federally mandated individualized education plan (IEP) is necessary. An IEP allows educators, parents and school support staff to create a plan to suit each child’s unique needs.
Parents of students who might benefit from an IEP should know that Naperville Schools offers many supports and resources to guarantee each student’s success.
Read on for an IEP overview for Naperville Schools.
What is an IEP?
An IEP is an individualized education plan. It is designed to allocate extra support and resources to students with disabilities. It is federal law that any child in the public school system who receives special education and services have an IEP.
Examples of students who would benefit from an IEP include those with hearing impairment, autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia.
Each student’s individual education plan is meant to be unique to her specific needs. All stakeholders, including the child, can work together to create the plan.
Students with an IEP may meet with speech therapists, be allocated more time on tests, or be given audio versions of print learning materials depending on their specific education plan. They may also be pulled out of their general education classroom to have more intensive small group instruction catered to their needs.
The list of possible accommodations and services are extensive, but educators are trained to provide the most effective support for each child.
How does the IEP process work?
Federal guidelines provide two routes toward a child being identified with a disability: each state runs a “Child Find” service to search for children with disabilities and a school professional or parent may request an evaluation.
Children ages 3-5 living within the district boundaries are eligible for a developmental screening at Ann Reid Early Educational Center.
Once a child is referred, evaluated and found eligible, a meeting between the IEP team and parents or guardians takes place. Following a successful meeting, the child will begin to receive services as soon as possible.
Part of the IEP is a special report on the progress the child is making toward the goals laid out in the plan. Every three years, a new evaluation must be performed on any child with an IEP.
More information for your child with an IEP
Naperville Schools provides additional support for students with IEPs and their parents.
Parents can learn more about the district’s IEP process and other disabilities resources online or reach the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at 630-420-6465.
