An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that outlines specialized instruction and services for students with disabilities in public schools under federal law.
What is an IEP?
An Individualized Education Program is a legal document mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that provides Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to individual student needs. Developed collaboratively by school staff, parents, and sometimes the student, an IEP outlines specific learning goals, accommodations, and specialized services. It's reviewed and updated at least annually. Students ages 3-21 with one of 13 recognized disability categories—including specific learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, and speech/language impairments—may qualify for an IEP.
Key Takeaways
- IEPs are federally mandated legal documents under IDEA providing specialized education services
- When you homeschool, you are not required to follow your child's existing IEP
- Public schools must still offer free evaluations to homeschooled students suspected of having disabilities
- Some states allow homeschoolers to access services through their local district—check your state's policy
- Many homeschool families create their own Student Education Plan (SEP) or Privately Developed Plan (PDP) instead
IEPs and Homeschooling: What Changes
Here's what catches many families off guard: once you withdraw from public school to homeschool, you don't have to follow the goals or provide the services listed in your child's IEP. The document was created for a public school setting, and you're now operating outside that system. That said, those IEP evaluations and assessments contain valuable insights about your child's learning profile. Many parents use them as a reference point while building a customized home education plan—one that can include goals the public school never addressed, like life skills, spiritual development, or therapeutic approaches that work for your family.
What Services Can Homeschoolers Still Access?
Under IDEA, public schools must identify and evaluate children suspected of having disabilities—even those educated at home. This means you can request free evaluations through your local district regardless of enrollment status. What varies dramatically is service access. Some states allow homeschooled children with disabilities to receive speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other services through their public school. Others don't. A few emerging EFA programs now allow homeschoolers to access 90% of district funding for services from accredited practitioners. The landscape is evolving, so connect with your state's homeschool organization for current specifics.
IEP vs. 504 Plan
Creating Your Own Plan at Home
Organizations like HSLDA recommend using terms like "Student Education Plan" or "Privately Developed Plan" rather than "IEP" when homeschooling. This establishes clear independence from public school requirements while still documenting your approach. Your homeschool plan can include goals the system never offered—occupational therapy schedules, sensory accommodations, life skills milestones, social development, even spiritual growth. You know your child better than any committee, and homeschooling gives you the freedom to build education around their actual needs rather than institutional constraints.
The Bottom Line
An IEP serves students with disabilities in the public school system, but homeschooling families have more flexibility than many realize. You can use your child's evaluations as valuable data while building your own customized approach. Check your state's policy on service access for homeschoolers, and consider creating a Student Education Plan that addresses your child's complete needs—academic, therapeutic, and personal—without institutional limitations.
