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IEP Glossary: Navigating Your Child’s IEP in New Jersey

Embarking on the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process may seem daunting, but understanding the terms and words you’ll hear can help you through the process. The education field often has a lot of jargon that can make things confusing. Getting familiar with some terms you’ll likely hear will help you better understand what happens, and who is involved.

Child Study Team (CST): The Child Study Team works with each student to determine special education needs and provide recommendations on appropriate services and therapies. The team consists of a school psychologist, learning disabilities teacher, school social worker, and related specialists deemed necessary like a speech therapist.

Department of Education (DOE): The New Jersey Department of Education supports schools, educators, and districts in the delivery of education in the state.

Extended School Year (ESY): ESY services are special education and related services that are provided to a student with a disability beyond the regular school year and following the student’s IEP.

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): FAPE requires students with disabilities to receive education and related services that support their individual needs. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): IDEA is the federal special education law that ensures students with disabilities receive appropriate education and services tailored to their specific needs.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP): The IEP document is a legal plan that guides the educational, instructional programming and necessary supports, therapies, and services to ensure a student’s needs are met in the least restrictive environment. IEP Team: The IEP team meets annually or as often as needed to develop and measure progress against the IEP. The team consists of the case manager, parent/guardian, regular education teacher, special education teacher, school district administrator, members of the Child Study Team 

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): As mandated by IDEA, students must be served in the least restrictive environment, with the goal of students being in general education classrooms alongside their peers as appropriate. In some cases, a different in district classroom or out of district placement may be the most appropriate setting for the student. 

Office of Special Education (OSE): The Office of Special Education provides oversite of special education services in the state.

Out of District Placement: In some cases, an out of district placement is recommended to provide students with continued academic programming, with therapeutic support provided during the school day. Once the student is prepared, they will work with the district to successfully transition back to the public school.

For more helpful tips, find our New Jersey IEP Guide here.

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