The Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process


Referral
The best way to refer a student for assessment to determine eligibility for special education services is through the child's teacher and the school's Student Study Team Process (SST).

Assessment
Based on the concerns expressed on the SST referral, an assessment plan will be designed and explained to the student's parent/guardian for approval.

Meeting to Review Assessment Results
The parent, principal (or designee), the child's teacher and those who performed assessments will meet to review findings and determine appropriate services. Keep in mind that the goal is to serve students in settings that offer the most typical school school experience as is appropriate.

Annual Reviews
At least every twelve months, the IEP team (principal, teacher, special education providers, and parent/guardian) meet to discuss the student's progress, and to set goals for the upcoming twelve-month periods.

Three-Year Reviews
Every third year, an extensive review is conducted and reported to the IEP team. Assessments may duplicate the thoroughness of the initial assessment.

For additional information contact the Special Education Department at (530) 757-5300 x113
Link to High Quality IEP website
Supporting Families through the IEP Journey

We are proud to spotlight the High Quality IEPs (HQ IEPs) Project, a statewide initiative focused on strengthening the IEP process for students, families, and educators alike.

The HQ IEPs Resource Lead Project partners with districts, county offices, and SELPAs across California to build the capacity of IEP teams and ensure that every IEP is designed to provide meaningful educational benefit. At the heart of this work is the belief that strong collaboration with families, students, and educators leads to better outcomes. The project is grounded in the High Leverage Practices (HLPs) for special education, with a current focus on effective collaboration as the foundation for high-quality IEPs.

To support families as equal and empowered members of the IEP team, the project offers a new online toolkit called Resources for the IEP Journey, available at highqualityieps.net. These tools are designed for families, by families, and are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. Key resources include:

🧩 "You Are Not Alone": A heartfelt message for families new to disability, written by a parent who’s been there.

📌 IEP Planning Checklist: Step-by-step guidance for before, during, and after the IEP meeting.

📚 Introduction to Special Education Law: A self-paced online course collection covering IDEA, civil rights protections, and the foundations of special education law.

🔧 Tools to Share Strengths: Use templates like "All About Me" and "Building on My Strengths" to share what matters most about your child with your team.

📍 Find a Family Empowerment Center: Connect with local support for training and IEP guidance.

💡 Together We’re Stronger
The HQ IEPs Project is proud to collaborate with a strong network of statewide partners who support inclusive, student-centered practices. Explore more at: