I do not agree with my child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)

The school can only follow an IEP if you accept it. You have the right to:

• Reject the whole IEP. Or,
• Accept part and reject part of the IEP.

Reject the IEP

You can reject all the services in the IEP. Check the box on the IEP signature page that says “I reject the IEP as developed” and check the box to “request a meeting to discuss.”

If your child already has an IEP, they will keep getting all the services and support in the last IEP you accepted until you and the school agree to a new IEP. This is called “stay put.”

Note: Only check “I reject the IEP as developed” if you want your child to get none of the services and support in the IEP.

Accept in part” “Partially reject” or “Reject in part”

If you agree with some of the IEP, but disagree with other parts, you have the right to “reject” the parts of the IEP that you do not agree with. This is “partially rejecting” or rejecting some parts of the IEP.

To reject the parts of the IEP you do not agree with:

1. Check the boxes on the IEP signature page that say:
   • “I reject the following portions of the IEP…” and,
   • “I request a meeting to discuss the rejected IEP or rejected portion(s).”
2. Attach a letter to the IEP that lists the parts you do not agree with.
3. If you think your child needs more services or accommodations, list them in the letter.

For example

In your letter, you could tell the school to give your child all the services in the IEP but your child also needs more speech therapy services.

If you accept in part or reject in part you are letting the school know that you do not agree with all of the IEP. You should have a Team Meeting to discuss your concerns, and see if you can come to an agreement with the school about what your child needs.

Reject the Placement

You can reject the school’s decision to place your child:

• In the general education classroom,
• In a separate classroom, or
• At a school for students with disabilities.

For example

If the school plans to place your child in a “substantially separate classroom,” but you think your child should spend more time in the general education classroom, you can reject the placement.

Check the box on IEP Placement Consent Form.

Placement Consent form

On the Placement Consent Form check the boxes that say:

• “I refuse the placement” and,
• “I request a meeting to discuss.”

Your child will stay in the last placement you agreed to. You should have another IEP Team Meeting to discuss your concerns with the school.