What can I do if the school is not following the IEP?

Start by setting each service in the IEP next to what is happening. You can ask for the service logs, ask in writing for an IEP meeting, and ask how missed sessions will be made up. IDEA also lets you file a written complaint with your state (34 CFR 300.151 to 300.153).

Can I ask for my child's service logs?

You can ask in writing. IDEA gives parents the right to inspect and review their child's education records. The school must let you see them without unnecessary delay, before any IEP meeting, and no later than 45 days after you ask (34 CFR 300.613).

Is there a time limit on a state complaint?

Yes. IDEA says a state complaint must be about something that happened no more than one year before the state receives it (34 CFR 300.153(c)).

The IEP is not being followed

The school isn't doing what the IEP says

Start with what your child's IEP promises: each service, how often, how long, and who provides it. Then set that next to what is happening, and check it against the service logs.

Upload your child's IEP (PDF)

A first look at your child's roadmap is free. The full analysis is $39.99, one time, per IEP.

IDEA says that as soon as possible after the IEP is written, the school makes its services available to your child as the IEP sets them out. If you believe that is not happening, IDEA lets you file a written complaint with your state about something from the past year.

IDEA, 34 CFR 300.323(c)(2) and 300.151 to 300.153

How to check

Find each service in the IEPIDEA requires the IEP to say how often, where and for how long each service happens (34 CFR 300.320(a)(7)). Note who provides it, too.
Write down what is happeningSessions held, missed or cut short, by date.
Ask for the service logsIDEA lets you inspect and review your child's education records (34 CFR 300.613). Ask in writing.
Put the gap in writingName the service, what the IEP says, and what you see. You can ask for an IEP meeting, and ask how missed sessions will be made up.

The full analysis gives you

What the school agreed to, in writingHow often, how long and who provides each service.
What to say, point by pointEach with what IDEA requires. Check it off as you go.
Letters, filled in for youWhen the analysis finds something to raise.

One service, as the guide shows it

A sample, not about your child.

Example

Speech-Language Therapy

Works on starting conversations and reading social cues with peers.

1x weekly · 30 min · Speech-language pathologist

Questions parents ask

What can I do if the school is not following the IEP?: Start by setting each service in the IEP next to what is happening. You can ask for the service logs, ask in writing for an IEP meeting, and ask how missed sessions will be made up. IDEA also lets you file a written complaint with your state (34 CFR 300.151 to 300.153).
Can I ask for my child's service logs?: You can ask in writing. IDEA gives parents the right to inspect and review their child's education records. The school must let you see them without unnecessary delay, before any IEP meeting, and no later than 45 days after you ask (34 CFR 300.613).
Is there a time limit on a state complaint?: Yes. IDEA says a state complaint must be about something that happened no more than one year before the state receives it (34 CFR 300.153(c)).

Start with the IEP you have

Upload it as a PDF. If you only have a paper copy, ask the school to email you the IEP as a PDF.