--- title: What is an IEP? description: What is an IEP? IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. The purpose of an IEP is to lay out the program of special education instruction, supports, and services kids need in school. Get IEP basics here. slug: what-is-an-iep author: Gail Belsky reviewer: Melody Musgrove, EdD published: '2019-08-05T15:10:41.559Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/5YdIQVkZzo1nyVpiALbY4B/3db1559e20ef2f4a1e62182486c75db8/G1239844469.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-an-iep lang: en --- # What is an IEP? When kids struggle in school, you may hear the term IEP. What is an IEP? IEP is an acronym that stands for Individualized Education Program. Some people may refer to it as an Individualized Education Plan. ## The purpose of an IEP An IEP is more than just a written legal document (or “plan”). It’s a map that lays out the program of special education instruction, supports, and services kids need to make progress and thrive in school. IEPs are covered by special education law, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They’re created for eligible kids who attend public school, which includes charter schools. There are many benefits to getting an IEP. The process begins with an evaluation that shows a student’s strengths and challenges. Families and schools use the results to create a program of services and supports tailored to meet the student’s needs. Having an IEP gives students, families, and schools legal protections, too. It lets families be involved in decisions that impact their child’s education. It also gives students rights when it comes to school discipline. --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-an-iep#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-an-iep","description":"What is an IEP? IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. The purpose of an IEP is to lay out the program of special education instruction, supports, and services kids need in school. Get IEP basics here."},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-an-iep","name":"What is an IEP?"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","datePublished":"2019-08-05T15:10:41.559Z","description":"What is an IEP? IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. The purpose of an IEP is to lay out the program of special education instruction, supports, and services kids need in school. Get IEP basics here.","headline":"What is an IEP?","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-an-iep","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.understood.org/#organization","name":"Understood for All Inc","logo":"https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/307jFAYQevghG8nQMCjh89/ccdbbec895765824db43f6d30b496e83/logo_lockup_navy.jpg"}}] ```