What to Do If Your Child’s IEP Isn’t Being Followed

As parents, we trust that when an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created, everyone involved will work together to provide the support our children need. Unfortunately, that isn’t always what happens.

Maybe your child isn’t receiving extra testing time. Perhaps they’re supposed to have preferential seating, but they’re sitting in the back of the classroom. Maybe speech services are being missed, sensory breaks aren’t happening, or homework accommodations seem to disappear from one teacher to the next.

If you’ve ever had that sinking feeling that your child’s IEP isn’t actually being followed, you’re not alone. It can be frustrating, confusing, and emotional. The good news is that there are constructive steps you can take to advocate for your child while working toward a solution with the school.

First, Stay Calm and Gather Information

It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that the school is ignoring the IEP, but sometimes there’s another explanation.

Before making assumptions, gather as much information as possible.

Ask yourself:

What specific accommodation or service isn’t happening?
How often has it been missed?
Is it happening in one class or several?
Has your child shared specific examples?
Have you noticed changes in grades, behavior, or stress levels?

Keeping notes with dates and examples can help you have a more productive conversation with the school.

Review the IEP Carefully

Take some time to read through your child’s current IEP.

Pay attention to sections that describe:

Classroom accommodations
Specialized instruction
Related services
Testing accommodations
Behavior supports
Communication plans
Goals and progress monitoring

Sometimes parents remember accommodations from an older IEP that have changed over time, so it’s helpful to confirm exactly what the current plan says.

Talk With Your Child

Depending on their age and communication style, your child may be able to provide valuable insight.

Ask open-ended questions like:

What happens when you need extra help?
Are your teachers giving you the accommodations listed in your IEP?
Do you feel comfortable asking for help?
Is there anything making school harder right now?

Some students may not even realize they’re supposed to be receiving certain supports.

Start With the Teacher

Many concerns can be resolved with a respectful conversation.

Reach out to the teacher by email or request a meeting.

Instead of assuming bad intentions, approach the conversation with curiosity.

For example:

“I noticed my child’s IEP includes extended time on tests, but my child shared that they recently had to finish within the regular class period. Can you help me understand what happened?”

This opens the door for collaboration rather than conflict.

Contact the Case Manager

If the concern continues or involves multiple classes, contact your child’s special education case manager.

Case managers often coordinate services across teachers and can help identify where communication may have broken down.

Share specific examples rather than general concerns.

For example:

Date of missed accommodation
Assignment involved
Teacher
What happened
How it affected your child

Specific information is much easier to investigate than broad statements.

Keep Written Records

One of the most effective advocacy tools is good documentation.

Consider keeping:

Copies of emails
Meeting notes
Progress reports
Report cards
Communication logs
Samples of schoolwork
Dates when accommodations were missed

Having organized records can make future conversations much more productive.

Request an IEP Meeting

If concerns continue, you have the right to request an IEP meeting.

The purpose isn’t to place blame.

Instead, the meeting can focus on questions like:

Why aren’t accommodations being implemented consistently?
Does staff need clarification?
Does the IEP need to be revised?
Are additional supports needed?
How will progress be monitored going forward?

Many problems are resolved simply by getting everyone together to review expectations.

Ask How Accommodations Will Be Monitored

Sometimes the issue isn’t the IEP itself—it’s consistency.

Ask the team questions such as:

Who is responsible for each accommodation?
How are teachers informed about the IEP?
How is implementation monitored?
What happens when accommodations are accidentally missed?
How will the school communicate concerns with parents?

Clear systems help prevent misunderstandings.

Help Your Child Learn to Self-Advocate

As children grow older, learning to speak up becomes an important life skill.

Encourage your child to politely remind teachers when appropriate.

For example:

“My IEP says I can use a calculator.”
“I usually receive extra time for tests.”
“Can I take my movement break now?”

Self-advocacy doesn’t replace the school’s responsibilities, but it can help teens become more independent over time.

Know That You Have Rights

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), eligible students are entitled to receive the special education services and accommodations outlined in their IEP.

If concerns continue despite repeated communication, families may have additional options available through their school district or state. These can include requesting additional meetings, using dispute-resolution processes, or seeking guidance from a parent advocacy organization. The right path depends on the specific situation, so it’s often helpful to understand your options before deciding how to proceed.

Build a Collaborative Relationship

It’s understandable to feel frustrated when your child isn’t receiving the support they need.

At the same time, most educators genuinely want students to succeed.

Approaching conversations with respect, clear communication, and a shared goal of helping your child often leads to better long-term outcomes than assuming the worst.

Working together doesn’t mean accepting ongoing problems—it means giving everyone the opportunity to solve them.

Trust Your Instincts

You know your child better than anyone else.

If something doesn’t seem right, it’s okay to ask questions.

Advocating for your child isn’t being difficult.

It’s being involved.

When parents stay informed, communicate consistently, and work collaboratively with the school, children are more likely to receive the supports they need to succeed.

An IEP is more than just paperwork—it’s a plan designed to help your child access their education in a meaningful way. When accommodations or services aren’t being provided consistently, it’s important to address the issue thoughtfully and promptly.

Start by gathering information, reviewing the IEP, and communicating with teachers and the special education team. Many concerns can be resolved through open conversation and clear expectations. If problems continue, don’t hesitate to request an IEP meeting and ask how the school plans to ensure the agreed-upon supports are implemented consistently.

Remember, you are an important member of your child’s educational team. Your observations, questions, and advocacy play a valuable role in helping your child receive the education and support they deserve. Working together with the school can create a stronger partnership—and ultimately, a better learning experience for your child.