An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a legal document created for students with disabilities. It outlines specific goals and services tailored to their needs. IEPs are required by law in public schools but can be adapted for homeschooling.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. A peer-reviewed study published in Peabody Journal of Education found that homeschooled children are typically well-adjusted socially and score above average on measures of social skills, emotional development, and daily living skills (Richard Medlin, 2013).
What is an IEP?
An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legal document required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It ensures that students with disabilities get Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that meets their needs. The IEP is made with input from school staff, parents, and sometimes the student themselves. It lists specific learning goals, needed accommodations, and special services. Schools review and update it at least once a year. Kids ages 3-21 with disabilities like autism, ADHD, or speech issues may qualify for an IEP.
Ieps and homeschooling: What changes
When you switch from public school to homeschooling, you're not bound by your child's IEP goals anymore. The IEP is designed for a public school setting, and now you're outside that system. However, the evaluations in the IEP can provide useful insights into your child’s learning style. Many parents use this information to create a personalized education plan at home. This plan can include goals that public schools might not cover, like life skills, spiritual growth, or family-specific therapies.
What services can homeschoolers still access?
Even though you're homeschooling, public schools must still identify and evaluate kids suspected of having disabilities. You can ask for free evaluations from your local school district, no matter your enrollment status. However, access to services can vary greatly by state. Some states let homeschooled kids receive speech therapy or occupational therapy through public schools, while others do not. New EFA programs are also starting to allow homeschoolers to access funding for services from accredited professionals. Be sure to check with your state's homeschool organization for the latest information.
Creating your own plan at home
Groups like HSLDA suggest calling your plan a 'Student Education Plan' or 'Privately Developed Plan' instead of an IEP. This helps clarify that you're not tied to public school rules while still keeping track of your methods. Your homeschool plan can include goals that the public system might miss, like therapy schedules, life skills, social development, or spiritual growth. You know your child better than anyone, and homeschooling lets you tailor education to meet their unique needs.
The bottom line
An IEP helps students with disabilities in public schools, but homeschooling gives families a lot more freedom than many think. Use your child's evaluations as a guide to create a custom education plan. Check your state's rules about services for homeschoolers, and consider making a Student Education Plan that covers all of your child's needs—academics, therapy, and personal growth—without the limits of a public system.
