During the IEP

During your child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting, it’s essential to be prepared and actively participate to ensure the best outcomes for your child. Here’s what you can do:

1. Be Prepared: Review any materials provided beforehand, including your child’s current IEP (if applicable), assessment results, and any relevant reports. Familiarize yourself with your child’s strengths, needs, and areas of concern.
2. Set Goals and Priorities: Identify what you want to achieve in the meeting. Consider your child’s educational, social, and emotional needs, and think about specific goals you want to discuss.
3. Participate Actively: Engage in the discussion and share your insights about your child’s needs, preferences, and progress. Be honest about your observations and experiences at home.
4. Ask Questions: If any part of the IEP is unclear, ask for clarification. Don’t hesitate to seek explanations about goals, services, or accommodations being proposed.
5. Provide Input: Contribute your perspective on your child’s strengths, challenges, and any changes you’ve noticed. Your input is crucial in creating a plan that addresses your child’s unique needs.
6. Review and Discuss Goals: Examine the proposed IEP goals and objectives carefully. Ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Discuss how progress will be measured and how often you will receive updates.
7. Discuss Accommodations and Services: Review and agree on the accommodations, modifications, and related services that will support your child’s learning. Make sure these are realistic and will be effectively implemented.
8. Understand the Placement: Talk about the educational placement and the least restrictive environment (LRE) for your child. Ensure that the setting is appropriate for your child’s needs.
9. Document the Meeting: Take notes during the meeting, especially on decisions made and action items. This will help you remember what was discussed and agreed upon.
10. Clarify Next Steps: Make sure you understand the next steps, including who will be responsible for implementing the IEP and how you will be kept informed about your child’s progress.
11. Build a Collaborative Relationship: Foster a positive and collaborative relationship with the school team. Open communication can help address any concerns promptly and ensure that everyone is working together for your child’s benefit.

By staying engaged and focused, you can help create an effective IEP that supports your child’s educational journey.