IEP Transition Checklist

Understand what happens to the IEP

When you withdraw from public school, the IEP does not automatically transfer.

In most states, the IEP ends when the child leaves public school. Some states (like PA and NY) offer continued services through dual enrollment or equitable participation. Check your state's special needs guide to understand what services may continue.

Research your state's service access options

Find out which services your child can still access after withdrawal.

Options vary by state: dual enrollment (services at the school), equitable participation (federal, available everywhere but limited), state-specific programs (like NY's IESP), ESA funding for private therapy, or private providers. Your state's special needs guide has the details.

Request complete IEP records

Get copies of everything before you withdraw. This is easier while you are still enrolled.

Request: current IEP, all evaluations (psychological, educational, speech/language, OT, PT), progress reports, eligibility determination, and any behavior intervention plans. Under FERPA, the school must provide copies within 45 days.

Request an IEP transition meeting

Ask the school for a meeting to discuss the transition and understand your options.

At this meeting, ask: What services are available after withdrawal? Can my child receive services through equitable participation? What is the timeline for any continued services? Get everything discussed in writing.

Get current evaluations done while enrolled

If evaluations are due soon, get them done now at the school's expense.

Re-evaluations are typically done every 3 years. If one is due within the next year, request it now. The school pays for evaluations while your child is enrolled. After withdrawal, you may need to pay for private evaluations ($500-2,000+) or request a Child Find evaluation (free, but the district controls the timeline).

List all current services and providers

Make a complete inventory of every service your child receives.

For each service, note: what it is (speech therapy, OT, etc.), how often (2x/week, 30 min), who provides it, and what goals it addresses. This becomes your replacement planning checklist.

Research replacement options for each service

For each service, identify how you will provide it after withdrawal.

Options for each service: (1) continued through the school via equitable participation or dual enrollment, (2) private provider covered by insurance, (3) Medicaid EPSDT (covers all medically necessary therapies for children under 21 regardless of school enrollment), (4) ESA/scholarship funding, (5) telehealth. Get cost estimates and availability for private options before you withdraw.

Check insurance and Medicaid coverage

Your child's therapies may be covered regardless of school enrollment.

Private insurance: check if speech therapy, OT, PT, and ABA are covered under your plan. Medicaid: EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) covers ALL medically necessary therapies for children under 21, regardless of where they go to school. Contact your insurance provider and/or Medicaid office to verify coverage.

File your homeschool notification (if required by your state)

Some states require notification before or simultaneously with withdrawal.

Check your state's requirements. Some states require filing before withdrawal (PA), some simultaneously (NY), and some have no notification requirement (TX). Use the HomeschoolLeap wizard to generate your notification letter.

Send the withdrawal letter

Formally withdraw your child from school.

Send by certified mail and keep the return receipt. Follow up to confirm the school coded your child as 'withdrawn' or 'transferred,' not 'absent.' Use the HomeschoolLeap wizard to generate your withdrawal letter.

Request equitable participation services (if applicable)

File a formal request for continued services under IDEA.

Under IDEA, school districts must spend a proportionate share of federal funds on parentally-placed private school students (including homeschoolers). This is not an individual right to services, but a pool of funding. File your request during the district's annual consultation period if possible.

Arrange replacement services

Set up private providers for any services not continuing through the school.

For each service that is not continuing: contact private providers, verify insurance coverage, schedule an initial evaluation, and establish a regular schedule. Allow 2-4 weeks for private provider intake. Do not leave a gap in services if possible.

Establish a baseline

Document your child's current levels at the start of homeschooling.

Use the most recent IEP present levels as your baseline. Note current reading level, math level, communication skills, and any behavioral goals. This helps you track progress and provides evidence if you ever need to re-enroll or request re-evaluation.

Monitor and document progress

Track your child's progress on the goals that were in the IEP.

You do not need to follow the IEP formally, but tracking progress on similar goals helps you (1) know if your approach is working, (2) adjust services as needed, and (3) demonstrate progress if you ever need to re-enroll or re-evaluate. Use the activity log and portfolio tools to document progress.

Know your re-evaluation rights

You can request a Child Find evaluation from the school district at any time.

Under IDEA, every school district has a Child Find obligation to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, regardless of whether they attend public school. You can request an evaluation at any time. The district must respond within a reasonable timeframe. You also have the right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the district's evaluation.