501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization - Serving Kids And Fulfilling Dreams

IEP Resource Center

The most comprehensive free IEP guide for families who need it most

1 in 5 Children Has a Learning or Attention Issue

Yet millions of families - especially low-income and minority families - don't know their rights or how to get help. We're here to change that.

7.5M

Students receive special education services under IDEA

2+ Years

Average delay between first concern and evaluation

$100-350/hr

Cost of a private IEP advocate most families can't afford

13%

Federal IDEA funding vs. the 40% Congress promised

Start Here: Understanding the Basics

New to the IEP process? Start with these essential guides.

Child in classroom

What Is an IEP?

A complete parent guide to Individualized Education Programs - what they are, who qualifies, and how they work.

Read the guide →
Legal rights document

Your Rights Under IDEA

Every right you have as a parent under federal law - and how to use them to protect your child.

Know your rights →
Comparing documents

IEP vs. 504 Plan

What's the difference? Which does your child need? A clear side-by-side comparison to help you decide.

Compare them →

Navigating the IEP Process

Step-by-step guides for every stage of the journey.

Writing a letter

How to Request an Evaluation

You don't need a doctor's referral. Learn how to put your request in writing and trigger the school's legal obligation to respond.

Learn how →
Meeting preparation

Preparing for IEP Meetings

What to bring, what to ask, who to bring with you, and how to make sure your voice is heard.

Get prepared →
Goal setting

Understanding IEP Goals

What good goals look like, how to spot bad ones, and how to make sure your child's IEP is actually working.

Read more →
Dispute resolution

When Schools Say No

Your options when the school denies services: mediation, due process hearings, state complaints, and more.

Fight back →
Student discipline

Discipline & IEP Rights

What happens when a child with a disability is suspended or expelled. Manifestation determinations and stay-put rights.

Understand protections →
Independent evaluation

Independent Evaluations (IEE)

When to request one, how they work, and how to get the school to pay for it.

Learn more →

IEP Guides by Disability

Specific guidance for your child's unique needs.

Child with ADHD

IEP for ADHD

Accommodations to request, common school pushback, and why a 504 plan may not be enough.

Read the guide →
Child with autism

IEP for Autism

Services, sensory accommodations, social skills goals, and fighting for the right level of support.

Read the guide →
Child reading with difficulty

IEP for Dyslexia

Evidence-based reading interventions, how schools often fail dyslexic students, and what to demand.

Read the guide →
Speech therapy

IEP for Speech & Language

Types of services, how often therapy should happen, and when school services aren't enough.

Read the guide →
Emotional support

IEP for Emotional & Behavioral Disorders

Behavior plans, manifestation determinations, and discipline protections your child needs.

Read the guide →
Transition planning

Transition Planning

Ages 14-22: what schools must provide for life after high school - college, jobs, and independent living.

Read the guide →

Tools & Resources

Writing letters

Sample Letters & Templates

Ready-to-use letters for requesting evaluations, disagreeing with decisions, requesting IEEs, and filing complaints.

Get templates →
Glossary reference

IEP Glossary

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

Look it up →
Parent stories

Parent Stories

Real experiences from families who navigated the IEP process - the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the lessons learned.

Read stories →

Need an IEP Advocate? We Can Help.

No family should have to fight alone. If you need help navigating the IEP process, reach out to us - at no cost.

Contact Us for Help Become an Advocate