Understanding ILPs & IEPs
Make sense of your child’s plan—what it means, why it matters, and how to make it work.
If you’ve been handed an ILP or IEP and aren’t sure what you’re looking at—or you suspect your child should have one but don’t know how to ask—you’re in the right place.
How we can help
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Explaining ILPs and IEPs
In plain language, not edu-speak. We help you understand what these documents are, what they’re supposed to do, and why they matter.
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Reviewing your child’s plan
Is it complete? Is it being followed? What’s missing? We help you see what’s working and what needs attention.
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Identifying supports to ask for
Accommodations, modifications, interventions, services—we help you know what options exist and how to request them.
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Preparing you to request a plan
If your child doesn’t have an ILP yet, we help you understand the process and make an effective request.
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Helping you communicate
What to say, who to contact, how to follow up. We help you navigate school communication with confidence.
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Understanding your rights
What schools must provide under Alberta’s Standards for Special Education—and how to advocate when they fall short.
What’s the difference?
ILP
Individual Learning Plan
A school-developed plan for students who need accommodations or modifications. This is the common term used in Alberta for students with identified learning needs.
IEP
Individual Education Plan
Similar to an ILP but may be used in different contexts or school boards. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably in Alberta.
The key questions
Regardless of what it’s called, what matters is: Does your child have a documented plan? Is it being followed? Does it reflect what they actually need?
Common situations we help with
- “I just got my child’s ILP and I don’t understand it”
We’ll walk through it together, explain each section, and identify what’s strong and what might be missing. - “I think my child needs an ILP but the school hasn’t offered one”
We’ll help you understand the criteria, prepare your request, and know what to say. - “The accommodations in the ILP aren’t being followed”
We’ll help you document what’s happening and communicate effectively with the school. - “I don’t know what accommodations to ask for”
Based on your child’s learning profile, we’ll help you identify appropriate supports. - “My child is transitioning to a new school and I’m worried about the ILP”
We’ll help you prepare for the transition and ensure continuity of support.
Important note about our role
We’re educators and parent coaches—not lawyers or legal advocates. We help you understand ILPs/IEPs and communicate more effectively with schools. For legal matters or formal disputes, we’ll recommend you consult with an educational law specialist.
Let’s review your child’s plan together
Whether you have an ILP you don’t understand or you’re trying to get one started, we can help you figure out the next step.
Our services are not currently available to Foothills School Division (FSD) families.