My Child Has an IEP, Now What? What Parents Can Do BEFORE The IEP Meeting.
I see a big difference between parents who come prepared and those who don't. And yes, there is a difference in the results between these two. Those who come prepared tend to get more of what their children truly need. You can do few things even before the IEP meeting to increase the chance of getting what your child truly needs.
P.s. : Here, the word parent represents any person who has the legal right over that child.
This whole IEP and special education process can be overwhelming, especially when you are new to this. However, with the right know-how and support, it does get better emotionally and mentally.
What is an IEP meeting?
Just in case you are super new to this whole IEP process, let's briefly go over IEP and IEP meeting. IEP is short for Individualized Education Program. It is a legal document under our nation's special education law called the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
This law directs the public schools to create and implement an educational plan tailored specifically to students eligible for special education. This way, students with special needs can access the school curriculum and progress towards their educational goals.
An IEP meeting is when the school team and parents meet to sit down together and discuss how to meet the child's needs in the school setting. For children who just get assessed for the first time, the first meeting is for the parents and school team to develop the first IEP. After that, an IEP meeting should be held at least once per year.
What To Do Before an IEP Meeting
Whether it will be your first IEP meeting, annual IEP meeting, or any other type of IEP meeting, the invite to the IEP meeting should be sent to you sometimes before. Use this time to do a few things to prepare.
Doing the following four things can increase the chance of you getting what your child truly needs.
1. Ask for a copy of the IEP report draft before the meeting.
Let your child's teacher know ahead of time that you want to get a copy of the IEP and any other report at least three days before the meeting. This will be considered a draft since an IEP is not finalized until after the meeting. This will give you time to go over the information.
There is so much information included in the IEP, especially when assessments and other reports are part of it. It is easy to miss important details when you see and hear them for the first time during the meeting. Write down any questions or concerns you have as you read through the report. This way, you don't forget to ask or express your concerns.
2. Make a list of your questions and concerns, and send it to the teacher.
If you have any questions or you need any information, send it to your child's teacher ahead of time. Request if you can get your answer or info before or at the IEP meeting.
For example, at this time, your child is in the special education classroom 100% of the time. You would like him to start attending some of the general education classroom activities. You can ask how the school team can make this happen, what activities are good options for your child, and what kind of support is available if needed.
Often, parents wait until the IEP meeting to ask these questions, which leads to a longer waiting time. Usually, it takes the team a while to get the information for you. When you give them time to get it for you, there is a better chance for things to move forward faster.
3. Do you want to invite someone else to the meeting? Do you want to record the meeting?
Let the teacher know before the IEP meeting if you plan to invite someone else (I.e., Grandparent, friend, advocate). Also, if you plan to record the meeting.
The teacher should be sending home an invite page to the IEP meeting. On that page, you can write down who will be attending. Will it be just you? Will it be both parents? Will it be a friend?. Let's say you have a friend who also has a special needs child. You have talked about supporting each other. You can have this friend attending the IEP meeting as your support person.
With most school districts, you should be able to record the meeting. However, you do need to give the school notice beforehand. Usually, when parents choose to record the meeting, the school does the same thing.
States vary and have their own special education regulations about the policy on audio and videotaping. You can usually search online your state's regulation about recording, or you can simply ask the teacher. This way, you can find out if you can record or not.
4. Organize all of your info in one file/binder, ready to go for the IEP.
It is a useful habit to be organized when it comes to IEP related information. Put all the information you get from the school in one binder. This way, it is easier for you to find something if needed. And you also have a copy in case you need it.
For example, let's say you are given a copy of the IEP draft after the meeting. It says that your middle school child will start attending two general education classes at the beginning of the next school year. When you get the final IEP report, you don't see that information anywhere in it, and the teacher disputes your claim. You can use the earlier copy to show what was discussed in your child's team meeting.
By spending extra time in the beginning, you can save a lot of time, anxiety, and headache down the road. Plus, you increase the chance of getting what your child needs at school.
Surround yourself with supportive people, those who can relate to what you are going through and can provide help along the way. Find your community, your tribe. Being a parent to a special needs child can be a very lonely road. You don't need to do this alone. There are a lot of people who are going through a similar journey and looking for similar support. It might take a bit of time and try. But don't give up. Find your tribe.
Stay connected with me, so I can update you with any new info, tips and freebies.
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Disclaimer: The info here is for educational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as any kind of legal advice.