1401 West Capitol Avenue, Victory Building, Suite 450
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-682-4221
Mission Statement: The Individualized Educational Program (IEP) ensures that children with disabilities identified under the law and are attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receive specialized instruction and related services.
Overview: The Arkansas Department of Education administers the Individualized Education Program, which mandates an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for each eligible child. An IEP is a written plan, developed through collaboration among the child’s teacher(s), parent(s), and occasionally health care professional(s), that describes the programs and special services the student requires to be successful in school. The IEP is a working document that is modified based on the ongoing needs of the student. An IEP must be in place for any student who has been identified as having special needs.
The IEP team must consider the following factors when developing and reviewing IEPs:
- Present levels of academic achievement and functional performance based on the most recent evaluations and assessments, which may include the results of state or district-wide assessments
- Behavioral, medical, functional, developmental, vocational, and social factors
- Goals and objectives for the child’s academic progress
- Other factors, including limited English proficiency, visual or hearing impairment, special communication considerations, whether the child can follow regular discipline policies, whether the child can participate in standard administration of statewide and district-wide required assessments, and whether the child requires assistive technology devices.
After considering these factors, the IEP team determines which instructional modifications, supplemental aids, and supports will ensure that the child is placed in the least restrictive environment necessary to accommodate his or her disability.
When a child turns sixteen, transitional factors must also be considered, including the child’s plans for post-secondary education and career goals. IEPs for children sixteen and over include transition services to help the child achieve his or her goals.
Age Groups Served: 5-21
Diagnoses Served: ALL types of delays and disabilities
Geographic Areas Served: ALL counties in Arkansas.