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IEP Advocacy & Support

Every child deserves the right education - we help families fight for it

Does Your Child Need an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that ensures your child receives the special education services they need to succeed in school. Under federal law, every child who qualifies has the right to a free, appropriate public education - but many families, especially in underserved communities, don't know their rights or how to navigate the process.

You are not alone. Approximately 7.3 million children receive special education services under IDEA. But research shows that low-income and minority families are far less likely to get the help their children deserve.

Private IEP advocates charge $100 to $350 per hour, putting them out of reach for most families. We believe every child deserves an advocate - regardless of their family's income.

Warning Signs Your Child May Need an IEP

If your child shows persistent patterns in any of these areas, consider requesting an evaluation.

Child struggling with schoolwork

Academic Struggles

Consistently performing below grade level in reading, writing, or math. Difficulty learning to read or needing significantly more time than peers to complete assignments.

Child showing emotional distress

Behavioral & Emotional Signs

Frequent meltdowns, extreme anxiety about school, persistent sadness, or avoidance of school activities. Complaints of headaches or stomachaches before school.

Child in classroom

Attention & Focus Issues

Significant difficulty sustaining attention, following directions, staying organized, or managing time. Impulsive behavior that interferes with learning.

Know Your Rights Under Federal Law

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), your child has the right to:

  • A free, appropriate public education (FAPE)
  • A full evaluation at no cost to your family
  • Be part of the IEP team - you are an equal member
  • Disagree with the school's evaluation and get an independent one
  • Access all education records related to your child
  • Mediation or a due process hearing to resolve disputes
  • Education in the least restrictive environment

Important: You do NOT need a doctor's referral to request an evaluation. You can submit a written request to your school at any time.

Parent and child studying together

What About a 504 Plan?

If your child doesn't qualify for an IEP, they may still be protected.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act covers children with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity - including learning, reading, concentrating, and communicating.

A 504 Plan provides accommodations such as:

  • Extra time on tests and assignments
  • Preferential seating in the classroom
  • Modified assignments or grading
  • Breaks during class or testing
  • Access to assistive technology

If your child is denied an IEP, always ask about a 504 Plan. Many children with ADHD, anxiety, chronic health conditions, or milder learning differences receive meaningful support through 504 accommodations.

The Underserved IEP Crisis

43%

Of children in low-income families

$100-350/hr

Cost of a private IEP advocate

72%

Graduation rate for students with disabilities vs. 87% overall

Families with higher incomes are far more likely to hire private advocates or attorneys for IEP meetings. Meanwhile, parents in low-income communities report feeling intimidated by the process and less likely to challenge school decisions.

The consequences are real:

  • Hispanic and English Language Learner students are consistently under-identified for services
  • Black students with disabilities are suspended at significantly higher rates
  • Schools in high-poverty areas have greater shortages of special education teachers
  • Many parents don't know they can request an evaluation, disagree with the school, or bring an advocate to meetings

How to Request an IEP Evaluation

You can submit a written request to your school principal or special education director at any time. Here is sample language you can use:

"I am writing to request a comprehensive evaluation of my child, [child's name], for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). My specific concerns are [list concerns]. I understand the school has a legal obligation to respond to this request in a timely manner. Please provide me with written notice of the school's decision."

The school must respond with either consent to evaluate or a written explanation of why it is refusing. The evaluation must be completed within 60 days of receiving your consent.

IEP Knowledge Center

In-depth guides to help you understand and navigate every part of the IEP process.

How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting

Step-by-step preparation guide: what to bring, who to invite, how to take notes, and questions to ask.

Read the Guide

Understanding IEP Goals

What SMART goals look like, how to evaluate if goals are appropriate, and examples of good vs. bad goals.

Read the Guide

When Schools Say No

Dispute resolution options: mediation, due process, state complaints. How to file, what to expect, and success rates.

Read the Guide

IEP vs. 504 Plan

Detailed comparison, when each is appropriate, pros and cons, and how to switch between them.

Read the Guide

Discipline and IEP Rights

Manifestation determinations, suspension and expulsion protections, stay-put rights, and what to do if your child is disciplined.

Read the Guide

Extended School Year (ESY)

What ESY services are, who qualifies, how to request them, and what to do if the school denies your request.

Read the Guide

Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)

When to request an IEE, how the process works, who pays, and types of evaluations available.

Read the Guide

Sample IEP Letters & Templates

Ready-to-use letters: evaluation requests, disagreement letters, IEE requests, state complaints, and more.

View Templates

IEP Glossary

Every acronym and term explained in plain language: FAPE, LRE, BIP, FBA, ESY, IEE, and dozens more.

View Glossary

State-by-State Resources

Find your state's Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) and Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization for free help.

Find Your State

IEP Guides by Disability

Detailed information, specific accommodations, and advocacy strategies for your child's needs.

IEP for ADHD

Accommodations for attention and executive function challenges, common school pushback, and rights specific to ADHD.

Read the ADHD Guide

IEP for Autism Spectrum

Services available, ABA therapy in schools, sensory accommodations, social skills goals, and communication supports.

Read the Autism Guide

IEP for Dyslexia & Learning Disabilities

Evidence-based reading interventions including Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading, and how to fight for proper instruction.

Read the Dyslexia Guide

IEP for Speech & Language

Types of speech-language services, appropriate therapy frequency, and what to do when school therapy isn't enough.

Read the Speech Guide

IEP for Emotional & Behavioral Disorders

Behavior Intervention Plans, manifestation determinations, discipline protections, and mental health services.

Read the Behavioral Guide

IEP Transition Planning

Ages 14-22: vocational training, college accommodations, independent living skills, and life after high school.

Read the Transition Guide

Need an IEP Advocate? We Can Help.

If you're struggling to navigate the IEP process, don't do it alone. Reach out to us and we'll connect you with support and guidance - at no cost.

Contact Us for Help Become an Advocate