IEP Basics: A Parent’s Guide to Evaluations, IEP Development, LRE, & Behavioral Supports
Key Features
- Parent-Friendly Downloadable Course Clear, easy-to-follow PDF presentation designed specifically for families navigating special education.
- Understand the IEP Process From Child Find and evaluations to eligibility, services, and annual reviews.
- Know Your Rights Learn what schools must provide under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including timelines and procedural safeguards.
- IEP Development Made Clear Breakdowns of PLAAFP, measurable goals, services, LRE, related services, and transition planning.
- Behavior & Data Focused Advocacy Understand Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and how data drives decisions.
- Practical Preparation Tools Meeting prep strategies, questions to ask, and guidance on reviewing draft IEPs before meetings.
Gain a parent-focused understanding of the IEP process — from evaluation and eligibility for services, placement, behavior supports, and transition planning. This downloadable course explains timelines, rights, measurable goals, LRE, and advocacy strategies so you can participate confidently as an equal member of your child’s IEP team.
The IEP process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), eligible students are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the legal document that makes that right a reality.
Project Accelerate’s IEP Basics Parent Course breaks down the entire process into clear, parent-friendly language, so you understand not only what happens, but why it matters.
This downloadable PDF presentation walks you step-by-step through the special education process, including timelines, eligibility decisions, and your role as an equal member of the IEP team.
In this course, you’ll learn:
- The IEP Process Child Find, referrals, written requests, evaluation timelines, and how eligibility decisions are made.
- Eligibility & Disability Categories The 13 IDEA disability categories, Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Other Health Impairment (OHI), and when Section 504 may apply.
- IEP Essentials Required team members, PLAAFP, measurable annual goals (SMART), services, related services, assistive technology, transition planning, and how the IEP ensures FAPE.
- Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) How placement decisions are made, the continuum of services, and what “maximum extent appropriate” truly means.
- Behavior & Discipline Protections When to request a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA), how Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) work, and protections related to removals beyond 10 days.
- Parent Rights & Advocacy Prior Written Notice (PWN), meaningful participation, requesting meetings at any time, dispute options, and how to build a strong paper trail.
Who is this for?
This course is designed for parents and guardians who want to:
- Understand the full IEP process from start to finish
- Participate confidently in eligibility and placement decisions
- Recognize when timelines or procedures are not followed
- Ensure services are clearly written and measurable
- Advocate using data—not emotion
- Prepare effectively for IEP meetings
What you’ll get:
- Ready-to-download PDF presentation (parent-friendly and easy to follow)
- Clear breakdown of timelines and legal requirements
- Guidance on reviewing draft IEPs before meetings
- Practical meeting preparation strategies
- Real-world explanations of FBA, BIP, and behavior protections
- A companion voiceover/Zoom-style walkthrough explaining each section step-by-step
At Project Accelerate, our mission is simple: equip parents with knowledge, confidence, and clarity. When parents understand the IEP process, students receive stronger services and better outcomes.