The first step in developing an individualized education program (IEP) for a child with disabilities is to:

The first step in developing an individualized education program (IEP) for a child with disabilities is to:

• A. Provide government funds to the child and family to supplement income
• B. Perform a complete history and physical examination to identify organic causes
• C. Perform a battery of psychologic tests that are valid and reliable
• D. Perform a comprehensive assessment of the child by a multidisciplinary team

Answer: (D)

Developing an IEP starts with a comprehensive assessment by a multidisciplinary team to determine the child’s current educational needs and eligibility. This first step gathers information from multiple perspectives—academic performance, communication, social-emotional functioning, motor skills, adaptive behavior, and environmental factors—so the team can form an accurate, holistic picture. Involving different professionals (and the family) ensures that strengths and deficits across areas are identified, not just in one domain or through a single test. The results establish the child’s present levels of performance and drive eligibility decisions, goals, required services, and accommodations. It’s not about medical history alone, a single test battery, or funding—it’s about a full, team-based evaluation that informs individualized planning.

Developing an IEP starts with a comprehensive assessment by a multidisciplinary team to determine the child’s current educational needs and eligibility. This first step gathers information from multiple perspectives—academic performance, communication, social-emotional functioning, motor skills, adaptive behavior, and environmental factors—so the team can form an accurate, holistic picture. Involving different professionals (and the family) ensures that strengths and deficits across areas are identified, not just in one domain or through a single test. The results establish the child’s present levels of performance and drive eligibility decisions, goals, required services, and accommodations. It’s not about medical history alone, a single test battery, or funding—it’s about a full, team-based evaluation that informs individualized planning.