How long does a school district have to supply me (the parent) with a copy of my son's IEP?

Question

How long does a school district have to supply me (the parent) with a copy of my son's IEP?

Answer 1

As long as you are the legal guardian, you have the right to a copy of the IEP.

Answer 2

Well, Section 300.345(f) of the IDEA states that the public agency shall give the parent, on request, a copy of the IEP. It is recommended that public agencies provide parents with a copy of the IEP within a reasonable time following the IEP meeting, or inform them at the IEP meeting of their right to request and receive a copy.

Reasonable time is debatable, but federal law doesn't say specifically, leaving that to the individual states. Refer to your copy of policy and procedures (which the school is supposed to offer you at each IEP meeting). In our district, it is interpreted that 'on request' means right at that moment. If you went into the office and requested it, they'd copy it right away.

If you put your request in writing, put a deadline on it. Make it reasonable, especially if you have a large school. Start nicely, with something like "I appreciate the recent IEP meeting on such and so date, and am glad that we were able to address Son's Name issues." State something like 'as per federal regulation, I am requesting a copy of the current IEP for Son's Name, who is a student at School Elementary. In standing with the 'reasonable time' that is part of IDEA, I need this IEP by x/y/08 (give them two or three days) Always end positively, with something like "Thank you for your time and patience. I know that we are all working hard to make Son's education appropriate and fitting for his needs.

Answer 3

If your child is on an Individual Ed Plan, then the teacher was supposed to meet with you and provide you with a plan that outlines the strategies, goals and timeline.  If your child doesn't meet the goals on this timeline, they continue on the plan.  The teacher is supposed to schedule another meeting so you can discuss your child's progress.  If your child has met the growth necessary, then they will exit your child from the IEP and you will be notified.  Please visit your child's teacher often to stay informed.  :)

Answer 4

It depends on the district.  I work for Los Angeles Unified School District and we give parents their copy at the IEP meeting or send it home that day if the parent allows us to proceed without him or her.  I would contact your district's Special Ed. department and ask.

Answer 5

According to federal special ed law IDEA you are to have it as soon as it is written and agreed upon by all members of the IEP team, which is usually at the end of an IEP meeting.

If you have not gotten it, write to district special ed director and request 'prior written notice' of their refusal to give you a copy of the IEP plan.

By law they have to give you this reason in writing.

If you do this, you'll have it in a flash

Answer 6

You should get a signed copy of the IEP until your son reaches 18 years old. If at that time he determines that he does not want you involved in the descion making of his education, and at 18 years old is deemed a competent adult, you will stop receiving copies of the IEP. Otherwise you should be getting a copy every year that the team meets and every time there is a modification to the IEP until your son graduates.

Answer 7

Until he graduates High School.  If he goes on to college, they will give the college he will be attending a copy of his IEP.