It shall be the policy of the Cape Elizabeth School Department to maintain a complete individualized education program (IEP) for each student who has been identified with a disability and in need of special education services under state and federal special education laws, and who is in attendance at Cape Elizabeth schools.  The Cape Elizabeth School Department shall develop these IEPs in a manner consistent with the procedural requirements of state and federal special education laws.

Student IEPs shall be reasonably calculated to provide the identified student with educational benefits in the least restrictive educational environment.  The school unit shall ensure that such IEPs are in effect within 30 days of when a student is first identified as in need of special education services, and in effect no later than the beginning of each school year for subsequent IEP’s.  All IEP’s must be reviewed at least annually, as prescribed by state and federal special education laws.

Legal Reference:        20 USC §§ 1414(d)
                                    34 CFR § 300.320-.328 (2006)
                                    Ch. 101 § IX(3) (August 2007) (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules)

Adopted:         April 8, 2008