IEPs: How do kids qualify for IEPs?

Understood Explains

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Kids don’t just get an IEP all of a sudden.

Schools have an evaluation process to decide if a child qualifies for special education services. This includes getting an IEP.

On this episode of Understood Explains, join host Juliana Urtubey as she discusses the evaluation process and requirements for getting an IEP. She’ll also share what to do if the school says your child doesn’t qualify for an IEP, and more.

For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.

Timestamps:

(00:37) How do kids qualify for IEPs?

(03:14) Does my child need a diagnosis to get an IEP?

(04:45) How do I request an evaluation?

(06:12) What if the school wants to wait to evaluate my child?

(08:10) What if the school says my child doesn’t qualify for an IEP?

(08:49) Key takeaways

Related resources:

• Understood Explains Season 1
• Download: Sample letters for requesting evaluations and reports

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give