Who is on the IEP team?

IDEA specifies required IEP team roles. They include the child's parents; at least one regular education teacher if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment; at least one special education teacher or special education provider; a public agency representative who meets IDEA's qualifications; and an individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results. Other individuals with knowledge or special expertise regarding the child may be included at the discretion of the parent or the agency, and the child is included when appropriate. One person may fill more than one role when qualified.

How often is an IEP reviewed?

The IEP team must review the IEP periodically, but not less than annually, to determine whether the annual goals are being achieved, and revise it as appropriate. Parents do not have to wait until the annual review to raise concerns or ask the school to consider changes to the IEP.

What is the difference between an accommodation and a modification?

An accommodation generally changes how a student accesses learning, participates or demonstrates knowledge without changing the underlying learning expectation. A modification generally changes what is taught or what the student is expected to learn or demonstrate. IDEA does not set one universal taxonomy for these labels, so it is worth asking the team which one they mean in your child's plan.

IEP Basics

What an IEP is, in plain language

An Individualized Education Program is a written program developed for a child who has been evaluated, found eligible under IDEA, and who needs special education and related services.

What the document must include

Federal law requires certain core components in every IEP, although the form and layout vary from district to district. In parent-friendly terms, an IEP includes:

Present levels of academic achievement and functional performance
Measurable annual goals
How progress toward those goals will be measured
When periodic progress reports will be provided
Special education, related services, and supplementary aids and services
Program modifications and supports for school personnel, as appropriate
The projected start date for services, and their anticipated frequency, location and duration
An explanation of any time the child will not participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and in relevant activities
Individual appropriate accommodations on state and district assessments, when needed
Transition components, when applicable

How the process generally moves

01A concern about a child's educational needs is identified.
02If an IDEA evaluation is pursued, the evaluation process occurs, with required parent consent.
03A group that includes the parent reviews the evaluation information and determines IDEA eligibility and educational needs.
04If the child is found eligible and needs special education and related services, an IEP meeting must be conducted within 30 days of the eligibility determination.
05Required services must be made available as soon as possible after the IEP is developed.
06The IEP is reviewed at least annually and revised as appropriate.

This is a simplified sequence, not the entire procedural framework. States and districts add their own rules, forms and practices, so ask your school for its written procedures.

Common questions

Who is on the IEP team?: IDEA specifies required IEP team roles. They include the child's parents; at least one regular education teacher if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment; at least one special education teacher or special education provider; a public agency representative who meets IDEA's qualifications; and an individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results. Other individuals with knowledge or special expertise regarding the child may be included at the discretion of the parent or the agency, and the child is included when appropriate. One person may fill more than one role when qualified.
How often is an IEP reviewed?: The IEP team must review the IEP periodically, but not less than annually, to determine whether the annual goals are being achieved, and revise it as appropriate. Parents do not have to wait until the annual review to raise concerns or ask the school to consider changes to the IEP.
What is the difference between an accommodation and a modification?: An accommodation generally changes how a student accesses learning, participates or demonstrates knowledge without changing the underlying learning expectation. A modification generally changes what is taught or what the student is expected to learn or demonstrate. IDEA does not set one universal taxonomy for these labels, so it is worth asking the team which one they mean in your child's plan.

Sources and review

Last reviewed: September 10, 2026. This page was reviewed by IEP Pathway against the sources below. State, district and school practices can differ from the federal baseline, so confirm local procedures with your school or state education agency.

Sources

How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting

A calm, practical sequence for the two weeks, the week, and the night before.

Meetings

What to Bring to an IEP Meeting

A short packing list — documents, notes, and the practical things people forget.

IEP

Preparing for an Annual IEP Review

The once-a-year meeting where the whole plan is on the table — and how to use it well.

Meetings

What to Do After an IEP or 504 Meeting

The hour after the meeting is worth more than the week before it.

Goals & Progress

How to Track IEP Goals and Progress

Reading progress reports so you can tell real movement from a repeated sentence.

IEP

Questions to Consider When Reviewing a New IEP

A read-through checklist for the document that just landed in your inbox.

Important note

This site provides educational information, organizational tools and printable resources. It is not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, any school district, government agency, attorney, law firm or advocacy organization. For advice about your specific situation, consider consulting a qualified professional.