IEP Tips and Resources
Shanti Kurada, MS, MBA
IEPs take up lots of energy but they do not have to be stressful. Thoughtful planning and a positive attitude are the keys to putting together an education plan that works for your child. Develop a good working relationship with your school staff and listen well and consider their points of view - they do want to help your child and their experience is long and diverse. But, do be prepared to disagree respectfully and advocate for your ideas when necessary.
If you have worked closely with your child in everyday natural settings, you have an innate understanding of how your child learns and what supports would help further his learning. Use this strength well. Having videos and notes on your child's progress can be very helpful in making your point. If possible, tap into the knowledge of other professionals working with your child either directly (have them attend) or indirectly (through reports and assessments). Remember, your child's education is a process that evolves and improves as educators learn more about your child. Be patient and thank the team for supporting your child on his learning journey.
Before The Meeting:
Approach the meeting with a clear purpose. Make a list of concerns and issues you want to discuss. Think about what you would like to accomplish through the meeting.
If your child is 14 and able to participate in his IEP, talk to him/her about it. Discuss your child’s desires and concerns and make a note of them. Prepare a Power Point presentation or a social story to explain how the meeting will ensue.
Ensure that all professionals who will support you are attending. Confirm that the date/time/location works for you and those supporting you.
Ask for a copy of any proposed IEP draft, well before the meeting.
Send a note if you plan to audio record the meeting.
Ensure that enough time has been scheduled to discuss all the items on your agenda.
Have your child’s records, progress reports, and therapist evaluations ready. Keep work samples, communication logs, behavior plans, and supporting videos on hand.
Make a list of what worked, what didn’t, and how improvements can be made to the goals and the methods used in working toward them.
At The Meeting :
Ask for introductions, if they are not offered. Relax. Clear your mind of worries, so you can focus better.
Listen carefully, express your opinions, ask questions, and participate actively.
Ask who is taking notes at the meeting. Review notes periodically to avoid misunderstandings.
Request a break if you are tired or need to discuss something in private with someone who is supporting you.
End of Meeting :
Check to see if all your concerns have been addressed.
Make sure that the wording throughout the IEP is clear and specific.
Schedule another IEP meeting if there are unresolved issues or if you ran out of time.
Identify who is responsible for each part of the IEP for following up on later.
You do not have to sign the IEP. Most parents are tired at the end of an IEP meeting and are rarely in a position of having resolved everything or making a decision. You have the right to take the IEP home and make a decision on how you want to proceed, later.
If you have concerns about any part of the IEP, state your concern(s) in writing on the IEP.
Make sure you receive a copy of your child’s completed IEP to take home, as well as other special education reports.
Thank the team and leave the meeting on a positive note.
Follow up:
Write letters of clarification to address any concerns, questions, overlooked areas, etc., if needed.
Consider sharing a copy of the IEP with other professionals working with your child.
IEP Resources:
Parents Helping Parents Tool Kit:
http://www.php.com/services/iep-preparation-tool
A Guide to the IEP:
http://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html
IEP Examples:
http://www.nasdse.org/Portals/0/Standards-BasedIEPExamples.pdf
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund website has this and other useful info:
California Department of Education:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/sr/
Choices For Learning:
http://choices4learning.com/support-for-learning/support-for-special-needs/educational-information/