An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a legally required document that outlines accommodations, modifications, and support services for students with disabilities or learning challenges. However, some parents face a frustrating reality—the school isn’t following their child’s IEP as written.
If you’ve noticed that your child isn’t receiving the accommodations or services outlined in their IEP, you have the right to take action.
This guide will walk you through:
✔ How to identify IEP violations
✔ What steps to take if the school isn’t implementing the IEP
✔ How to escalate the issue while staying professional
📌 Signs That the School Isn’t Following Your Child’s IEP
It’s not always obvious when an IEP isn’t being followed. Look for these warning signs:
✔ Your child isn’t receiving accommodations (e.g., extra time on tests, quiet workspaces).
✔ Teachers aren’t aware of the IEP or say they don’t have time to implement it.
✔ Your child is struggling with tasks that should be supported by their IEP.
✔ IEP progress reports don’t match your child’s experience in the classroom.
✔ Therapies or services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy) aren’t being provided.
✔ The school tells you “we don’t have enough resources” or “it’s not possible” to follow the IEP.
📌 If any of these sound familiar, your child’s IEP may not be properly implemented.
🚀 Step 1: Document Everything
Before taking action, gather evidence to show that the school isn’t following the IEP.
How to Collect Evidence:
✔ Keep copies of the IEP & progress reports – Compare what’s written in the plan with what’s actually happening.
✔ Track your child’s struggles – Keep a journal of missing accommodations, behavior changes, or regression.
✔ Save emails & communication with teachers – If a teacher admits the IEP isn’t being followed, keep a record.
✔ Ask your child about their school day – Example: “Did you get extra time on your test today?”
📌 The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be when addressing concerns.
📖 Step 2: Communicate with Your Child’s Teacher
In many cases, IEP issues can be resolved by talking to the teacher. Some educators may not be aware of the IEP requirements or may need reminders about accommodations.
How to Approach the Teacher:
✔ Be polite and solution-focused:
• “I noticed that my child hasn’t been getting extra time on tests as outlined in their IEP. Can we work together to make sure this happens?”
✔ Request a quick meeting to discuss concerns.
✔ Ask how you can support implementation at home and in school.
📌 Most teachers want to help, and addressing concerns early can prevent bigger issues.
📋 Step 3: Request an IEP Meeting
If the teacher isn’t able to address the issue, request a formal IEP meeting with the school’s special education team.
How to Request an IEP Meeting (Sample Email):
Subject: Request for IEP Meeting – [Child’s Name]
Dear [Teacher/Principal/Special Education Coordinator],
I appreciate the efforts of the school team in supporting [Child’s Name]. However, I have concerns regarding the implementation of their IEP, particularly with [specific accommodation/service not being provided].
I’d like to request a meeting to review the IEP and discuss how we can ensure full implementation moving forward. Please let me know your availability for a meeting at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
📌 Requesting an IEP meeting in writing ensures that your concern is officially documented.
🔄 Step 4: Ask for Accountability & Follow-Up
At the IEP meeting, ask for specific actions to ensure the plan is followed.
Questions to Ask at the Meeting:
✔ Who is responsible for ensuring the IEP is followed in each class?
✔ How will the school track accommodations to confirm they are being used?
✔ Can we set a follow-up meeting to check on progress?
✔ If staff are unaware of the IEP, how will they be trained on my child’s needs?
📌 Schools should be able to provide clear solutions, not excuses.
📢 Step 5: Escalate to the Principal or School Board (If Necessary)
If the school continues to ignore the IEP, you may need to escalate the issue.
How to Escalate the Issue:
✔ Email the principal – Explain that the IEP isn’t being followed and request intervention.
✔ Contact the school board’s special education department – Ask for support in enforcing the IEP.
✔ Request a school board-level case conference to review compliance.
✔ Speak to your school board trustee – Trustees can advocate for families at the school board level.
📌 If the school doesn’t take action, escalating to the board ensures accountability.
🛑 Step 6: File a Formal Complaint (Last Resort)
If the school refuses to follow the IEP despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue, you have legal options.
How to File a Complaint:
✔ Write a formal complaint to the school board’s superintendent – Outline the IEP violations and request immediate action.
✔ File a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission if your child’s rights to education are being violated.
✔ Consult with an education advocate or lawyer if necessary.
📌 Filing a complaint should be the last resort, but schools must be held accountable for following legal requirements.
🎯 Tips for Parents: How to Ensure the IEP Is Followed
✔ Communicate with teachers early – Build positive relationships before issues arise.
✔ Request a progress meeting each term – Don’t wait until report cards to check in.
✔ Document everything – Keep records of emails, meetings, and your child’s progress.
✔ Teach your child self-advocacy skills – Help them understand their rights under the IEP.
✔ Stay calm and professional – Schools respond better when parents are solution-oriented.
📢 Final Thoughts: You Have the Right to Advocate for Your Child
✔ IEPs are legally required, and schools must follow them.
✔ If the school isn’t implementing the IEP, you have the right to take action.
✔ Tracking progress and escalating concerns ensures your child gets the support they need.
💬 Has your child’s school ever failed to follow their IEP? How did you handle it? Share your experience in the comments!
📌 For more IEP and school advocacy tips, subscribe to my blog! 🚀
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 
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