Description: This popular and widely used resource guide addresses changes mandated in the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), formerly PL94-142. Specific guidelines are presented for developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for special needs preschool children, and Individual Transition Plans (ITPs) for post-secondary at-risk students. It describes in detail the five criteria that must now be met for individuals to qualify for academic, language or speech services. Particularly valuable is the abundance of sample forms that cover every conceivable aspect of the IEP meeting. The book addresses practical issues of current IEP procedures for all special needs students and lists special accomodations that might be used with these youngsters. Comprehensive in its intent, the Primer begins with "How Do I Start?" then takes the reader step-by-step through the assessment process, the IEP meeting, writing the finished product and implementing the IEP.