Individualized Education Program (IEP)

New York State (NYS) regulations defines an IEP as a written statement for a student with a disability that is developed, reviewed and revised by a Committee on Special Education, Subcommittee on Special Education or Committee on Preschool Special Education.  The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the cornerstone of the special education process for each individual student with a disability.

The IEP is the tool that ensures a student has access to the general education curriculum and is provided the appropriate learning opportunities, accommodations, adaptations, specialized services and supports needed for the student to progress towards achieving the learning standards and to meet his or her unique needs related to the disability. Each student with a disability must have an IEP in effect by the beginning of each school year.  Federal and State laws and regulations specify the information that must be documented in each student’s IEP.  In NYS, IEPs must be on a form prescribed by the Commissioner of Education.