Let's face it, IEP's are confusing, exhausting and overwhelming. Everytime I've gone, I thought I had it all figured out, only to have something unfamiliar be brought up and I had no idea how to react or counteract the information getting thrown around. I do know that no matter how many IEP's you go to, you never stop learning. Laws and language are constantly changing and the amount of information to check up on is exponential. My hope is to help parents gain more knowledge in the area of special needs education so they can feel empowered and not powerless when it comes to making decisions regarding their child's education. Here are some basic tips to remember when attending your child's IEP meetings.
1. BE INFORMED: Unfortunately, in the situation of special needs education, ignorance is not bliss. The more you know, the better equipped you are to help your child get the services and placement that is in their best interest. Be sure to have a good grip on your child's diagnosis, current services and struggles. Make an outline of the topics you would like to discuss regarding your child's educational goals; this will help you stay on track and not get distracted. Also, find out all you can about the IDEA Act of 2004 and No Child Left Behind. These two bills contain the information regarding you and your child's rights within the public educational system.
2. STICK TO THE FACTS: Many parents love to dote on their children and their accomplishments, however the school only wants to hear and see what your child needs in order to succeed in the school setting. Giving examples of your child's behavior or struggles at home won't necessarily be helpful to the school and most of the time they will comment that they are only responsible for your child in an educational setting. Also, mentioning any medical diagnoses outside of the school will get the same response from school officials. Make sure your facts and examples are based off of any reports from the school and the service providers assisting your child at the school.
3. BE ASSERTIVE, BUT NOT AGGRESSIVE: When you first walk into a meeting you may feel very intimidated with the amount of people in the room and feel outnumbered. Try not to let it bother you and make sure you have all of the information you need to discuss what you want for your child. Talk clearly and concisely without too much emotion. While you may have many emotions during the course of the IEP meeting, it is best to keep them in check and stick to facts. Meetings can begin to fall apart when parents get upset and begin to cry or shout. Some schools will even end a meeting if emotions get too out of control during the meeting. You have a much better chance of helping your child if you remain cool, calm and collected while presenting only factual information regarding your child.
4. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: The school would like you to believe that they are the end all, be all in decision making regarding your child's placement, services, etc. This is not the case and the law even states clearly that as a parent you are part of the IEP Team and an integral part of decision making and should have "meaningful participation. You have the right to let your concerns be known regarding your child's placement, services, etc. You also do not have to accept the services the school presents to you; if you feel it is something that would hinder your child rather than help them, let the school know. The school should go over all of the information put into the IEP paperwork and explain everything in detail. If there is something you do not understand, be sure to ask about it and get a full explanation before you agree to have it included in your child's IEP.
You can bring someone with you to the IEP (such as an OT or other service provider in a medical setting) as long as you let the school know at least 24 hours in advance. Audio recording the meeting is another option, but the school needs to have at least 48 hours notice prior to the meeting and you should get everything in writing; drop off a letter to the school telling who you plan on bringing with you and if you want to record the meeting. A note of caution, if you intend to record the meeting, this will put the school on the defensive and may make it more difficult for you to get what you want for your child. The school will counteract by recording as well and may bring in a district employee. This district employee will have a much greater understanding of the law and may try to confuse you with certain phrases and information.
Lastly, at the end of the IEP meeting you will have to sign the IEP paperwork in order for the new placement, services, etc. to take effect. If you agree with the entire document you simply sign and date at the bottom. If you agree with only a portion of the document, there is an option to check that you agree with certain aspects of the IEP and you can list the parts you do not wish to implement.
While there is a lot more information that can help, these are the top 4 tips I would give to any parent or guardian just beginning to navigate through the IEP process. Keep moving forward and learn all you can to help make the process go a bit smoother. You can be successful as an advocate for your child!
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