How can I get the school to follow my child’s IEP?

Your child’s school must follow your child’s IEP. The IEP (or individualized education program) is a legal document which the school district creates with you. The IEP should contain information about how your child is performing in school and what services your child needs due to their disability. Any services or accommodations that are recommended on your child’s IEP, the school district, or the NYC DOE if you live in the five boroughs, must provide what is written. For instance if your child is recommended to receive three sessions of speech therapy each week on their IEP, then your child must receive the three sessions of speech therapy each week. 

If the school is NOT providing what is written on your child’s IEP there are a number of ways to get the school to provide those services. 

• One way is to reach out to the principal of your child’s school or the superintendent of the school district for the school. You can find information about the superintendent for your child’s school here.
• Another way is to make a complaint to the NYS Education Department. You can contact the Special Education Quality Assurance office of the NYS Education Department here.
• Finally, another way to get the school to follow your child’s IEP is to request an impartial hearing or mediation. Read more information about how to request a hearing or mediation here.

For free legal help, call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about our intake process here.

* The information does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult an attorney regarding your matter. Legal help subject to capacity and location.