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(1.21) What is an individualized education program (IEP) and how do I request one for my child?

(1.21) What is an individualized education program (IEP) and how do I request one for my child?

An IEP is a written statement that describes your child’s present levels of performance, learning goals, school placement, and services. In order to obtain an IEP, your child must first be assessed. Starting from the date the district receives your written consent for assessment, the assessment(s) must be completed, and the IEP developed at a meeting within 60 calendar days. When counting days, you do not count the days in between regular school sessions or school vacation in excess of five school days. If an initial referral of a student to special education has been made 30 days or less before the end of the regular school year, an IEP shall be developed within 30 days after the beginning of the next school year. [34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.320; Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56344 (a).]