Thursday Thoughts on IEPs

My Thursday Thoughts are centering on IEP’s today.  For those parents of typical kids who are joining us, an IEP is an Individualized Education Plan. They create the goals and objectives for special needs kids who cannot participate in the regular education curriculum. The meetings used to create these year-long plans are called Planning and Placement Team Meetings and they include administration and teachers from your child’s school, parents and sometimes the child themselves, if that is appropriate. Parents of kids with special needs, here are my tips for getting your child a good IEP.

Plan Ahead

Meet with members of the team one on one ahead of time so you know what they are proposing and you can discuss your child’s progress and needs with them in a calm, private atmosphere. Try to convince those staff members to push for the things your child needs in the meeting. It is a challenge because resources are always limited.

Know your Rights

Know your rights as a parent and know what you can demand. The school does not need to tell you what services other students receive so you won’t have anything to compare your child’s program to unless you speak with other parents in your district. 

The IEP is a Contract

Many people use advocates or lawyers to come to the meeting with them so that they can fight for the best program possible. The IEP is a contract and the school is legally bound to provide the program they lay out in the IEP. That means if the IEP says your child is supposed to have speech therapy three times a week for 30 minutes, the school needs to provide that. 

Hold the School Accountable

A daily communication log is the best way to hold your school program accountable. They will send home notes on your child’s day and when Michael was in elementary school, each different therapist who met with him would fill out that section of his day. That way, I knew that he was actually getting speech and OT and PT, etc… Be involved throughout the year so that you are not receiving any shocking news right before the IEP.