What Is Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

If you have a child with a learning disability, an Individualized Education Program or IEP will help him or her excel at school. 

It is a program that is custom designed by your school's child study team to accommodate the special educational needs of your son or daughter. Dr. Alison Smoller and her caring pediatric staff at Developmental Pediatrics of Central Jersey in Monmouth County work closely with your school's child study team to help develop one.  Developmental Pediatrics of Central Jersey provides services to patients from all over the state of New Jersey including Pennsylvania.

What Is an Individualized Education Program?
A child with a learning disability learns differently from other children, so he or she needs a specialized learning plan to succeed. An IEP is a program developed by your developmental pediatrician that includes a plan for how educators can best teach the child. It includes three details:

- How the child learns, considering his or her learning disability.
- How the child shows progress.
- The types of learning programs and providers that would be best for the child.

Understanding Learning Disabilities
The team at Developmental Pediatrics of Central Jersey in Monmouth County diagnose and help children with an array of learning disabilities, including ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Asperger Syndrome, and autistic spectrum disorders. A learning disability is a caused by some type of neurological disorder and often develops due to genetics or a birth defect. The effects of learning disabilities become more apparent when children enter their school-aged years. However, with an IEP, they can learn at their own pace and in their own special ways.

How Often Does an IEP Need Updating?
You should see your developmental pediatrician every year for an updated IEP. Some parents choose to visit even more often for reviews to see how their child is progressing. It is important to keep every member of your IEP “team” apprised of the updates to your child’s program, including teachers, administrators, tutors, and evaluators.

Get Your Child's First IEP ASAP
An IEP is a wise choice for any school-aged child who has been diagnosed with a learning disability. Dr. Alison Smoller at Developmental Pediatrics of Central Jersey in Monmouth County will work with your child study team to help you develop one. This office proudly serves patients from all over the state of New Jersey including Pennsylvania. Call 732-660-0220 to make an appointment.