What is the name of the legal document that outlines a child's special needs and the support they will receive?

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a crucial legal document that details the special needs of a child with disabilities and specifies the educational services and supports that will be provided to address those needs. The IEP is tailored to the individual student, ensuring that their unique requirements are met within the educational system. This plan is developed collaboratively by a team that typically includes the child’s parents, teachers, special education professionals, and relevant specialists, which allows for a comprehensive approach to each child's education.

The IEP serves multiple purposes: it establishes a clear set of goals for the child, outlines specific accommodations and modifications in the learning environment, and describes how the effectiveness of the educational strategies will be measured. The legal backing for such documents is found in laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires that public schools create an IEP for every child who qualifies for special education services, ensuring that students receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

In contrast, the other options do not pertain specifically to the documentation of a child’s special needs and associated educational provisions. Instructional objectives refer broadly to goals set for teaching strategies, Public Law 94-142 is foundational legislation ensuring the right to education for children