By Nivera Child Development Centre | Kumbalam, Kochi, Kerala Reviewed by our child development specialists and Special Educator | Updated 01 September  2026 If your child has been diagnosed with a developmental delay, learning disability, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or any condition that affects how they learn, you may have heard teachers or therapists mention an Individualised Education Plan, or IEP. For many parents in Kerala, this term is unfamiliar, and the process of requesting one from a school can feel confusing. This guide explains what an IEP actually is, who qualifies for one, how the process typically works in Kerala schools, and what to do if a school is unsure how to help. What Is an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)? An Individualized Education Plan is a written document that outlines a child’s current learning abilities, the specific challenges they face, the goals they should work toward over a set period, and the accommodations, teaching methods, or additional support the school will provide to help them reach those goals. Unlike a standard classroom lesson plan that applies to every student, an IEP is built entirely around one child’s individual needs — hence the name. An IEP typically includes a summary of the child’s present level of academic and functional performance, measurable short-term and annual goals, the specific teaching accommodations or modifications to be used (extra time on tests, seating near the teacher, simplified instructions, assistive technology, and so on), the support services the child will receive (special educator time, speech therapy, occupational therapy sessions), and a schedule for reviewing progress, usually every few months. Who Needs an IEP? An IEP is generally appropriate for children whose learning needs differ enough from their peers that the standard classroom approach isn’t enough on its own. This commonly includes children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, intellectual disability, speech and language delays affecting classroom participation, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other physical, sensory, or developmental disabilities recognised under India’s disability laws. A formal diagnosis or assessment from a paediatrician, developmental specialist, psychologist, or a recognised early intervention centre is usually the starting point for requesting an IEP. The Legal Basis for IEPs in India Two key pieces of legislation support a child’s right to individualised educational support in India. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, recognises a wide range of disabilities and requires that children with disabilities have access to inclusive education with appropriate support. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, similarly emphasises the right of every child, including children with disabilities, to receive an education suited to their needs, generally within a mainstream school setting wherever possible rather than being excluded to a separate system. In practice, government and aided schools across Kerala increasingly work with resource teachers and special educators, often coordinated through the Samagra Shiksha framework, to support children who need individualised plans. Private and CBSE/ICSE-affiliated schools also increasingly maintain their own special education or learning support cells, though the exact structure, staffing, and terminology can vary significantly from one school to another How to Request an IEP for Your Child in Kerala Get a formal assessment first. Before a school can build an appropriate IEP, they typically need documentation of your child’s diagnosis or developmental profile — from a paediatrician, developmental therapist, psychologist, or a recognised child development centre. This assessment forms the foundation the IEP goals are built on. Apply for a UDID card if applicable. The Unique Disability ID (UDID) card is often required or strongly recommended when requesting formal accommodations, government scheme benefits, or exam concessions for children with a recognised disability. Applications can be made online through the UDID portal, usually supported by a certificate from a government-authorised medical board. Meet with the school’s principal or special educator. Share the diagnostic reports and request a formal meeting to discuss an individualised plan. Many CBSE schools have a designated inclusive education coordinator or special educator; government and aided schools may involve a resource teacher connected to the district’s Samagra Shiksha inclusive education programme. Collaborate on realistic, measurable goals. A good IEP meeting involves genuine back-and-forth between parents, teachers, and any therapists already working with the child. Goals should be specific and trackable — for example, “will independently write three-word sentences by the end of the term” rather than a vague goal like “will improve writing.” Get the plan in writing and request review dates. Ask for a written copy of the finalised IEP, including a clear timeline for when progress will be reviewed and the plan updated — typically every term or twice a year. Bring your child’s therapists into the loop. If your child attends speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral therapy outside school, sharing therapy reports and progress notes with the school helps align classroom accommodations with what’s working in therapy, creating consistency across environments. What Accommodations Can an IEP Include? The right accommodations depend entirely on the child’s specific needs, but common examples include extended time for tests and exams, permission to use a scribe or reader during exams (a right formally recognised for eligible children under Indian exam board guidelines), preferential seating near the teacher, simplified or broken-down instructions, use of visual schedules or assistive communication tools in the classroom, reduced homework load or alternative assignment formats, sensory breaks during the school day, and access to a shadow teacher or special educator for part of the day where the school offers this support. Common Challenges Parents Face — and How to Handle Them The school is unfamiliar with IEPs.  Not every school in Kerala has extensive experience building formal IEPs, especially smaller private schools. Bringing a written diagnostic report, a simple goal outline drafted with help from your child’s therapist, and being open to educating the school collaboratively rather than confrontationally often works better than expecting the school to lead the entire process alone. Goals feel vague or aren’t reviewed regularly. If review meetings aren’t