How do I prove my child's IEP is not being followed?

Keep a dated log of specific incidents — the date, the service or accommodation that was missed, who was involved, and the impact you observed. Compare what's happening against the exact wording of the IEP, including frequency and duration of services. Save emails, progress reports, and any notes your child brings home. This written record turns a general worry into specific, documented examples the school must address, and it gives you a timeline to point to if you need to escalate later.

Who do I contact first if the school isn't following the IEP?

Start with your child's case manager or special education teacher, in writing, describing the specific gap and the IEP language it relates to. Keep the tone collaborative and ask for a plan to fix it. If that doesn't resolve things, move to the special education coordinator or school principal, then your district's special education director. Putting each step in email creates a clear paper trail and often moves things faster than verbal conversations alone.

School, IEP & 504 Plans

What to Do If Your Child's Pediatric IEP Is Not Being Followed: A Parent's Action Guide

October 24, 2026 · 5 min read · ClearPath Pediatrics

You went through the meetings. You signed the paperwork. The IEP is finalized — and now something doesn't add up. Maybe the pull-out sessions aren't happening, the accommodations get skipped on test days, or the one-on-one support your child is supposed to have keeps disappearing. It's an exhausting, frustrating place to be, especially when you're already carrying a lot. The good news: an IEP is a legally binding document, and you have clear, concrete steps you can take. This guide walks you through them in plain language.

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A note from ClearPath: This article is educational and organizational in nature. ClearPath Pediatrics does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — always consult your child's licensed healthcare providers for medical decisions. If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

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What to Do If Your Child's Pediatric IEP Is Not Being Followed: A Parent's Action Guide

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