"Understanding Your Child's Rights": Glossary + IEP/504 Basics"
This page will cover the terminology schools use in special education meetings, what a preschool IEP meeting looks like, what to say when you ask your school for an evaluation, and where to find free help.
Glossary:
IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan): The written plan for children under age 3 in TEIS. It is built around your family's routines and goals.
IEP (Individualized Education Program): The written plan for children age 3 and older receiving special education through the school district. It lists the child's goals, services, and how progress will be measured.
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education): A legal right that states a child with a disability has the right to an education that fits their needs at no cost to the parent/family.
LRE (Least Restrictive Environment): It advocates for a child to learn alongside their peers as much as possible, with support brought to them as needed.
Child Find: It is a federal mandate (under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) that requires school districts to identify and evaluate any child, aged 3-22, who might have a disability. This is regardless of whether the child is enrolled in school or not.
Evaluation: It is the process of testing/observing a child to see if they qualify for services. It's free, and you don't need a diagnosis to request one.
Eligibility: Simply whether or not your child qualifies for services, based on the evaluation results.
Related Services: These are extra supports linked to an IEP, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or transportation.
Consent: Your written permission is required before an evaluation happens or an IEP starts. You're allowed to ask questions before you sign and, most importantly, you never have to sign on the same day.
Transition Plan/Meeting: The meeting and plan built around your child moving from TEIS into preschool special education around age 3 (see the "Where Do I Start?" page for more information).
504 Plan: A different kind of plan (not the same as an IEP) that provides accommodations for a child with a disability who doesn't need specialized instruction, just adjustments to access their education equally.
What an IEP Meeting Looks Like for a Preschooler:
IEP meetings can appear to be very intimidating, but for a 3-5 year old, they are usually smaller and less formal than people expect. Here's what to expect:
1.) Who's in the room?:
You (the parent), a special education teacher, sometimes a general preschool teacher, a school psychologist/evaluator, and possibly a speech or occupational therapist.
2.) What get's discussed?:
Whether your child qualifies for services, what goals make sense for that particular school year, what supports or therapies would help, and where your child will spend their time (their LRE).
3.) How long does it take?:
Most IEP meetings typically run 30-60 minutes.
4.) What you're asked to do?:
Share what you're seeing at home, ask questions, and give consent before anything starts.
5.) What you're allowed to do?:
Bring someone with you (a family member, friend, or advocate), ask for something to be explained again, request a break, or ask for more time before signing (which gives you time to have other people review plans/accomodations).
If something is unclear or you disagree with part of the plan, you can say so at the meeting or follow up afterward in writing.
Requesting an evaluation (Email Template):
Use this if your child is 3 or older and not yet in TEIS or the school system, or if you want to formally request a first evaluation through your local school district (Child Find):
Dear [Principal / Special Education Coordinator's name],
My name is [your name], and I am the parent/guardian of [child's name]. I am writing to request an evaluation to determine whether [child's name] is eligible for special education services. I have noticed [briefly describe what you're seeing, like difficulty with speech, following directions, etc.]. I would like to request a full evaluation as soon as possible. Please let me know the next steps, including any paperwork I need to complete, and expected timelines.
Thank you for your help.
Requesting an IFSP or IEP meeting (Email Template):
Use this if your child already has an IFSP or IEP and you'd like to request a meeting- for example, if you have concerns, want to discuss the age-3 transition, or haven't heard from your service coordinator or school as expected:
Dear [Special Education Coordinator's name],
My name is [your name], and I am the parent/guardian of [child's name]. I would like to request a meeting to discuss [child's name] current [IFSP/IEP]. [Briefly explain why. For example, "I have some concerns I'd like to talk through".] Please let me know some times that work, and if there's anything I should prepare or bring with me.
Thank you.
Where to get help with advocacy (statewide):
These organizations support families across all of L.B.J.&C.'s service area, at no cost:
- STEP (Support and Training for Exceptional Parents): Free advocacy training and support for parents of children in special education. Call: 1-800-280-7837, or visit: https://tnstep.info
- Volunteer Advocacy Project (via The Arc Tennessee): Trained volunteer advocates who can attend meetings with you or help you understand your options. Call: 615-248-5878, ext. 306
- Wrightslaw: A self-guided website explaining special education law in plain language, at Wrightslaw.com