The Cochlear Implant School Toolkit

3 - Working with the School

IEPs

Because your child is deaf and has a cochlear implant, he or she may be eligible to receive special education and related services under Public Law 108-446, the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA).

An IEP (Individualized Education Plan):

• Is a tool that helps document and implement your child's specific needs for special education and related services
• Is an educational blueprint that contains an assessment of your child's strengths and challenges, short-term goals, long-term goals, and a list of the accommodations or supports that must be in place to help in achieving those goals
• Requires a team of experts to meet at least yearly to assess your child's progress toward the IEP goals. You should be present at these meetings.

Please refer to the Creating an effective IEP team information sheet for more information on IEPs.