A Parent Perspective

Don’t be scared just Be Prepared The IEP process should start many weeks before the meeting

Many heads = One big brain.

Talk to the teacher  Have ongoing communication throughout the year  Before any evaluations and the IEP planning  Find out their perspective on your child  There should be no surprises at the IEP meeting

Records at the ready Have some things at your fingertips  Past IEP’s  Recent evaluation reports  Diagnoses  Medication history  Behavior records  Communications with teachers or other professionals

Ahead of the meeting  Ask who will be attending the meeting  Ask to see and discuss evaluation results  Ask to see any IEP drafts REMEMBER The final IEP should not be written and signed until AFTER the meeting

 Understand the scope and purpose of an IEP  Write down your goals for your child  Have a list of things you would like discuss at the meeting.  If you are hoping for answers it might be helpful to get these questions to your child’s teacher ahead of the meeting so they can have the answers ready.

Know your legal rights And read over ALL the pages in the IEP. There is valuable information on all the pages (not just the academic goals)

 Bring a friend along for support

Other tips  Be on time  Brings snacks  Bring “open” ears and “open” minds  If you need time to think things over – say so  Remember to thank these individuals who work with your child everyday

Relax

Resources:  - IEP and inclusion tips for Parents and Teachers  - IEP tips for parents and Teachers  – Top IEP Tips for Parents  - Resources  – Questions  – National Center for Learning Disabilities  - Office of the Education Ombudsman  Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Many resources for the families of Special Education students