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IEP (special education plan) · Alabama
Turning 3 in Alabama: moving from early intervention to an IEP
In Alabama's latest report to the U.S. Department of Education, 2,340 children served in early intervention (IDEA Part C) were referred for preschool special education (Part B) eligibility. 1,539 of the children found eligible in Alabama had an IEP developed and in place by their third birthday.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- In Alabama's latest report to the U.S. Department of Education, 2,340 children served in early intervention (IDEA Part C) were referred for preschool special education (Part B) eligibility. U.S. Department of Education, Alabama IDEA Part B State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (FFY 2024). Checked November 2, 2026
- 1,539 of the children found eligible in Alabama had an IEP developed and in place by their third birthday. U.S. Department of Education, Alabama IDEA Part B State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (FFY 2024). Checked November 2, 2026
- 49 children in Alabama were referred to early intervention less than 90 days before their third birthday. U.S. Department of Education, Alabama IDEA Part B State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (FFY 2024). Checked November 2, 2026
- Alabama reported 99.87% of eligible children referred from early intervention had an IEP by their third birthday (1,539 of 1,541). U.S. Department of Education, Alabama IDEA Part B State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (FFY 2024). Checked November 2, 2026
- Under federal IDEA rules, a child moving from early intervention to preschool special education should have an IEP (or, in some cases, an IFSP) in place by the third birthday. U.S. Department of Education, IDEA regulations, 34 CFR 300.124. Checked November 2, 2026
Official links
- Alabama on the U.S. Department of Education IDEA website
- Alabama IDEA Part B report (SPP/APR)
- Find your Parent Training and Information Center
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- The current IEP
- Evaluations and test reports
- Progress reports and report cards
- Messages from school
- Dated meeting notes
- Discipline records
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for Alabama
- IEP disagreements in Alabama: mediation, resolution sessions and due process
- Special education evaluation timeline in Alabama: how long the school has to evaluate
- Free help with an IEP in Alabama: the Parent Training and Information Center
- IEP transition planning in Alabama: when it starts and what the state reports
- IEP binder for parents: the full guide
- Turning 3: moving from early intervention to an IEP: all states
Neighbouring states
- Turning 3 in Florida: moving from early intervention to an IEP
- Turning 3 in Georgia: moving from early intervention to an IEP
- Turning 3 in Mississippi: moving from early intervention to an IEP
- Turning 3 in Tennessee: moving from early intervention to an IEP
Questions
Where do these Alabama facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: U.S. Department of Education, Alabama IDEA Part B State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (FFY 2024); U.S. Department of Education, IDEA regulations, 34 CFR 300.124. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in Alabama or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for iep (special education plan)?
A good start: The current IEP; Evaluations and test reports; Progress reports and report cards; Messages from school; Dated meeting notes; Discipline records. Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.