IEPs
The individualized education program (IEP) is the plan that describes the help your child gets at school. We explain what is in it, what it means, and what to do when it isn't working.
Understand the IEPPillar one · School & Special Education
School, IEPs, and the meetings in between
If the school paperwork feels overwhelming, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. This page walks through the pieces families ask about most, in plain English.
The formal terms are here too, so you know what the school is talking about: the plan that describes the help your child gets (an IEP), the evaluation (an ETR in many places), and the accommodations plan (a 504).
What families ask about
Start with the part that feels most confusing
Each topic below explains what the piece is, why it matters, and where to get help with it. Choose one — no wrong starting point.
Evaluations & ETRs
Before a plan comes the evaluation — the process that shows what your child needs (in many places, the report is called an ETR). We help you understand what the results mean.
Understand evaluations504 plans
A 504 plan lists the accommodations your child needs to learn on equal footing. We help you understand the difference between a 504 and an IEP, and what each one can do.
Understand 504 plansAccommodations
Small changes that make a big difference — extra time, quiet spaces, assistive technology, movement breaks. We help you figure out what to ask for and how.
Understand accommodationsGoals & progress
Every IEP includes goals, and schools must track progress toward them. We help you read progress reports and know when a goal isn't being met.
Read progress reportsMeeting preparation
What to say, what to ask, what to bring. We help you prepare for the meeting so you can walk in feeling calm and ready.
Prepare for meetingsParent–school communication
Emails, phone calls, and conferences can be hard to navigate. We help you communicate clearly and keep the focus on your child.
Communicate with schoolEducational advocacy guidance
Your child has rights in the special education process. We help you understand them and use them — without turning the meeting into a fight.
Know your rightsUnderstanding services & supports
Therapy at school, tutoring, aides, specialized instruction. We translate what schools offer so you can tell what fits your child.
Understand school servicesGetting help
How Compass can help with school
Depending on what you need, help can come in three ways — an on-demand guide, practical tools, or a real person.
Document review
We read the IEP, the evaluation, or the 504 with you and explain what it actually says — what's there, what's missing, what to ask for.
See professional supportMeeting preparation
A private session to get ready for the IEP or 504 meeting — your questions, your talking points, your plan.
See professional supportOn-demand guidance
Compass AI will answer questions any time — plain-English explanations and personalized questions to ask at meetings. In development.
See what's coming