6 Tips to Start Your IEP Right!

When starting a new process or a new chapter in life we often try to prepare as best as we can. Whether it be that your child is new to the IEP process or this Fall marks the beginning of a new school year, you might be wondering what you can do to make this smoother and get your child onto the right path from day 1! Here are a few  tips to help you get started!

 

Review the IEP

• Make sure you are reading every page included in your child’s IEP, most importantly the notes! It is very important that before signing anything you have thoroughly read the IEP and all is correct. Best tip is to take it home to review before signing.

Write an introduction letter

• Writing a Parent Attachment or making an Agenda for the meeting will help you remember the things you want addressed. Many times parents walk into a meeting with an idea of what they want to say and with all that goes on they forget to address important issues. This will help you also be able to sit and think of all you want covered in a calm manner.

Know their teachers

• It is important for you to know your child’s teachers and be able to effectively communicate your concerns or talk about your child’s progress. Most teachers want to help your child but are told by administrators to not speak up. Get the teacher on our team.

 

Pass it out

• Make sure everyone involved in your child’s IEP receives a copy of his/her IEP. It is important that everyone who takes part in your child’s education is aware of the accommodations and services s/he is receiving. Don’t assume they received a copy.

 

Follow-Up

• if your child is in a new setting, getting new services, or has changes to his/her IEP you should consider scheduling a follow up meeting to check on your child’s progress. Having a follow up meeting lets you know whether the changes that were made are working for your child or not. Once you request a meeting the District has 30-days to hold that meeting. Request a follow-up meeting during your current meeting. An additional tip-put your request in writing!

 

Share the IEP with your child

• At a certain age your child can understand some of the things that s/he needs in order to be successful, sharing the IEP and the accommodations on the IEP could be a way to make sure it is being followed. It is also a good idea to ask your child if s/he knows of things that could be helpful for him/her to have equal access to curriculum.

 

These are a few tips that could help you and your child be more prepared for the new school year. Our office works to help with these steps and be by your side through the IEP process from day one. If you are apprehensive about embarking on this journey on your own, contact our office. We have a free ½ hour consultation waiting for you!