"Understanding Your Child's Rights": Glossary + IEP/504 Basics"
This page will provide information on the words 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 someone to help you for free.
Glossary:
IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan): The written plan for children under 3 in TEIS. Built around your family's routines and goals, not necessarily a classroom.
IEP (Individualized Education Program): The written plan for children 3 and older receiving special education through the school district. It essentially lists your child's goals, services, and how progress will be measured.
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education): A legal right under the law that states a child with a disability has the legal right to an education that fits their needs, at no cost to you.
LRE (Least Restrictive Environment): It advocates for a child to learn alongside their peers as much as possible, with extra support brought to them, unless a different setting truly serves them better.
Child Find: It is a federal mandate (under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)) 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: This is the process of testing and observing your child to see if they qualify for services. It's free, and you don't need a diagnosis to request one.
Eligibility: Simply whether your child qualifies for services, based on the evaluation results, or not.
Related Services: These are extra supports tied 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 details).
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 seem 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 or evaluator, and possibly a speech or occupational therapist- not a large panel of strangers
2.) What get's discussed?:
Whether your child qualifies for services, what goals make sense for the next year, what supports or therapies would help, and where your child will spend their time (their LRE).
3.) How long does it take?:
Most preschool IEP meetings run 30–60 minutes.
4.) What you're asked to do?:
Share what you're seeing at home, ask questions, and ultimately 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 stuff).
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- never feel afraid to do so!
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 my child is eligible for special education services under Child Find. I have noticed [briefly describe what you're seeing, like: difficulty with speech, following directions, or playing with other children]. 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.
[Your name] [Phone number] [Email address]
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 my child's 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 beforehand.
Thank you,
[Your name] [Phone number] [Email address]
Where to get help with advocacy (statewide):
You don't have to figure this out alone. 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 free, self-guided website explaining special education law in plain language, at Wrightslaw.com