Is Your Child’s IEP Being Followed? How to Tell and What to Do If It’s Not

If you’re a parent with a child on an IEP (Individualized Education Plan), then I guarantee you’ve probably felt frustrated at some point. 

Maybe your child isn’t making progress, or something just doesn’t feel right, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. 

You might even wonder, “Is the school actually doing what it’s supposed to be doing?”  

First of all, you’re not alone. 

Many parents feel this way, especially when they don’t know what to look for or how to address their concerns. 

Let’s talk about how you can figure out if your child’s IEP is actually being implemented and what to do if it’s not.  

How to Tell if Your Child’s IEP Is Being Followed      

Your child’s IEP is more than just a document—it’s a plan that’s supposed to help them succeed. 

But how can you tell if it’s actually being put into action? 

Here are some signs to watch for:  

1.     Your Child Isn’t Making Progress      

The IEP sets specific goals for your child. If you’re not seeing any progress—or if your child is even regressing—it might be a sign that they’re not getting the support or services they need.  

2.     Services or Accommodations Are Missing      

Take a look at the IEP. Is your child supposed to have speech therapy, occupational therapy, or extra time on tests? If they’re not getting those services or accommodations, that’s a problem.  

3.     You’re Not Hearing from the School      

Regular updates from the school about your child’s progress are important. If you’re not getting any communication, it could be a red flag that something’s being overlooked.  

4.     Your Child Says Something Feels Off      

Sometimes, your child might tell you what’s going on—intentionally or not. Maybe they casually mention they never leave class for therapy sessions or that they’re struggling with tasks that should have accommodations.  

5.     Inconsistent Staffing      

If your child has had a lot of substitutes or staff changes, there’s a chance the IEP isn’t being followed consistently.  

What to Do If the IEP Isn’t Being Followed      

So, what can you do if something doesn’t seem right? 

Don’t worry—you don’t have to jump straight to filing complaints or starting a big battle with the school. 

Here’s a plan to tackle the issue step by step:  

1.     Start with the IEP Itself      

Pull out your child’s IEP and go over it carefully. Take notes on anything you suspect isn’t being done—specific services, accommodations, or goals that seem to be slipping through the cracks. Not sure where to start with this book a 15 min call with me and we can go over this together.

2.     Keep Track of What’s Happening      

Document everything. If your child tells you they missed therapy or didn’t get their extended test time, write it down. If you have conversations with teachers or staff, jot those down too. These notes will help when you talk to the school.  

3.     Talk to Your Child’s Teacher or Case Manager      

Start with a friendly, collaborative conversation. You might say something like:  “I noticed my child hasn’t been getting their sensory breaks lately. Can you let me know if there’s been a change?” OR “I haven’t seen any updates about their speech therapy progress. Can you confirm they’re getting their sessions as planned?”  

Often, a quick chat can clear things up or get things back on track.  

4.     Request an IEP Meeting      

If talking to the teacher doesn’t resolve your concerns, you can ask for an IEP team meeting. At the meeting, share your observations and ask for updates on how services are being delivered. If needed, work with the team to adjust the IEP to make things clearer or more measurable.  

5.     Follow Up in Writing      

After every conversation or meeting, always always always send an email summarizing what was discussed and agreed upon. This creates a record and ensures everyone is on the same page.  

6.     Take It Further If Needed      

If the school still isn’t following through, you can:  

    File a formal complaint with your state’s Department of Education.  

    Request mediation to work out a solution.  

    Consider due process if nothing else works (this is like a legal hearing to resolve the issue).  

How to Advocate Effectively Without Losing Your Cool      

Advocating for your child can feel overwhelming, but here are a few tips to make it a little easier:  

Stay Calm and Focused

It’s easy to let emotions take over (this is your child we’re talking about!), but staying calm helps you communicate clearly and keeps the conversation productive.  

Know Your Rights

The IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) gives you the legal right to make sure your child’s IEP is followed.  

Ask for Help

If you’re feeling stuck, book a 15 min call with me so we can dive into your unique situation or join a parent support group. You don’t have to do this alone.  

Your child deserves a fully implemented IEP. And at the end of the day, you’re not just holding the school accountable—you’re ensuring your child has the tools and support they need to thrive.

 It’s a big job, but you’ve got this!