IEPs are a part of public education. They’re given to eligible kids, ages 3 and up, who attend public school. That includes charter schools.

To be eligible for an IEP, a student has to:

• Have one or more of the 13 conditions that are covered under IDEA, which includes learning disabilities like dyslexia and

• Need services to thrive in school

Private schools don’t offer IEPs. But students in private school may be able to get special education through what’s known as a service plan (also called an Individual Services Plan ).

Even before they attend school, babies and toddlers can get services through early intervention . Once kids turn 3, they can get an IEP through their local public school district.

There are no IEPs in college. But eligible students often can still get accommodations through college disability services.