What is necessary for a child to qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

For a child to qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), parental consent is essential. The IEP process is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires schools to obtain written consent from a parent or guardian before conducting an evaluation for special education services. This consent indicates that the parents agree to the assessment process, which is a vital first step in determining a child's eligibility for special education services.

Other factors, such as age or specific diagnoses, do not directly ensure eligibility for an IEP. While generally, children can qualify for special education services beginning at age three, they do not need to be over 13 years old to receive an IEP, as eligibility may start earlier. A diagnosis of ADHD can be part of the evaluation, but it is not necessary for IEP qualification, as children with various disabilities could qualify regardless of the specific diagnosis. Additionally, attendance in a private school does not automatically grant eligibility for an IEP; instead, the right to an IEP is often associated with public education systems.

The emphasis on parental consent highlights the collaborative nature of the IEP process, ensuring that families are actively involved and informed about the educational plans being developed for their child.