Care Team, Therapy & Support
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
An Individualized Education Program is a plan that provides tailored educational support and services for a child with disabilities in school.
In short: Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- It provides tailored support and services at school.
- It is developed with the family and school team.
- It is reviewed and updated over time.
- It supports a child's learning and development.
What it is
It is a formal plan, developed under U.S. special education law, that provides tailored educational support and services for an eligible child with a disability. It documents the child's needs, goals, and the supports the school will provide.
Understanding Individualized Education Program (IEP)
For a school-age child with encephalocele who has educational needs, an IEP can provide individualized supports — such as therapies, accommodations, and specialized instruction — to help the child learn and participate at school. It is developed collaboratively by the family and the school team, based on evaluation of the child's needs, and is reviewed and updated over time as the child grows and progresses. The IEP is a tool to ensure a child's educational needs are met.
Why it matters
Understanding the IEP helps families see how tailored educational support is provided at school, that they are part of developing it, and how it can be adjusted over time to support their child's learning.
Common questions
What is an IEP?
A plan providing tailored educational support for a child with a disability.
Who develops it?
The family and the school team together.
Is it updated?
Yes — it is reviewed and updated over time.
Bottom line
An IEP provides tailored educational support and services for a child with disabilities, developed with the family and updated over time.
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