IEP meetings. Those three little letters can seem intimidating at first, but fear not! You are your child's best advocate, and with a little preparation and understanding, you can navigate these meetings with confidence. Think of it less as a battle and more as a collaborative effort to unlock your child's full potential and support their education.
What is an IEP, anyway?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that outlines a child's unique educational needs and the specific services and supports they'll receive in school. It's designed for children with disabilities who require specialized instruction to ensure they are set up for success in achieving their educational goals.
How to prepare for an IEP meeting
- Review Existing Documentation
- Gather all previous IEPs, evaluations, progress reports, and any other relevant documents.
- Work with any outside service providers (ABA, Speech, Occupational, or Physical Therapy) to gather the treatment plans and evaluations.
- Create a Parent Input Statement
- Write down your concerns, observations, and goals for your child.
- Include specific examples of your child's successes and challenges.
- Think about what you want your child to achieve academically, socially, and emotionally while at school.
- Make a List of Questions
- Don't be afraid to ask questions! Common questions asked at IEP meetings include:
- What are the specific goals for my child?
- How will my child's progress be measured?
- What accommodations or modifications will be provided?
- How often will I be informed of my child's progress?
- Bring a Support Person
- Consider bringing a friend. family member, or advocate to the meeting. They can provide emotional support and help you take notes.
- It is your right as a parent to invite individuals to the IEP meeting to provide support, or input.
How can I get the most out of my child's IEP meeting?
- Be an Active Listener
- Listen carefully to what the school staff recommends and says.
- Take notes, and ask clarifying questions about the services that will be provided to your child in school such as special education, and in-school therapies.
- Share Your Concerns and Observations
- Don't hesitate to voice your concerns and share your insights about your child.
- Provide specific examples to support your points whenever possible.
- Collaborate and Negotiate
- Remember that the IEP meeting is a collaborative process between you and your child's teacher or special education teacher, and school administrators.
- Be willing to work with the school staff to develop a plan that meets your child's needs.
- It is ok to ask for time to consider the school's proposals. You do not have to agree to everything in the meeting, and can review the information before committing to the plan.
- Review the IEP Carefully
- Before signing the IEP, review it carefully to ensure it accurately reflects your child's needs and the agreed upon services.
- If you do not agree with something, do not sign. You can always ask for another meeting to further discuss and ensure everyone is on the same page.
What steps should I take after my child's IEP meeting?
- Monitor Your Child's Progress
- Stay in regular contact with your child's teachers, administrators, and therapists.
- Review progress reports to help track your child's progress towards their goals.
- Maintain Open Communication
- Keep the lines of communication open with your child's school staff.
- Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any ongoing questions, or concerns.
- Document IEP Records
- Keep organized records of all IEP meetings, evaluations, and correspondance.
- Remember Your Child's Strengths
- While addressing areas of need is vital, be sure to celebrate your child's strengths and successes.
Related Resources:
- Your state's Deparment of Education: To find this resource for your state, search online for your specific department of special education.
Remember, as a parent, you are a vital member of your child's IEP team. By being prepared, informed, and proactive, you can help ensure that your child receives the support they need to thrive.
The team at Powerback Pediatrics welcomes collaboration with the school. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Client Advocates are happy to attend IEP meetings with you to articulate our goals for ABA therapy and support you and your child.
If you are interested in learning more about Powerback Pediatrics and how we can work with you, give us a call today 888-269-9876.
