An education plan for children with certain disabilities or health conditions, such as cancer. By law, these children must receive special education services and other support they need in school. An IEP describes which special services the child needs and how those needs will be met. This may include special class placement, extra help with class assignments and tests, tutoring, and other services such as counseling, speech therapy, and physical therapy. IEPs are covered in the U.S. law, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Also called individualized education plan.