10 Tips for IEP Meetings
As mentioned in my previous post, one of my kiddos currently has an IEP. As a special education teacher and case manager, I am VERY familiar with the IEP process. This is an advantage when trying to navigate the process for my own child.
Although as helpful as it is, it is also very stressful, just like it can be for any other parent. It can be overwhelming. It can be a lot of work. It can be emotional. Having just gone through this process last week, I just knew I had to share our experience in hopes of it helping another parent.
Here are my top 10 tips for any parents going through the IEP process:
Know your rights!
There are strict deadlines schools must abide by. They are also required to follow certain procedures. For instance, if you request an assessment they must either grant it or give you a Prior Written Notice explaining why it was denied. They must assess in any areas they suspect may be due to a disability, a mandate called Child Find. There are so many rights your child has, but it is your duty to know what they are so you know what they are entitled to and what you can request (or demand).
Build rapport with your case manager and service providers.
Starting in the beginning of the year, make sure to reach out to the case manager and service providers. Make sure they know who your child is and what your child needs. Build rapport with them and check in frequently.
Communicate with all team members.
Make sure that when a team of members are organized that you are communicating with all of them. A lot of times my case manager would send me an email. I knew my response to her email would benefit the whole team, so I would ‘cc them all. I wanted everyone who came to the meeting to be familiar with my child and to have all of the same information so that they could make informed decisions.
Document all communication.
Whether you prefer to communicate via phone, email, text, etc, make sure to document all of it. If you make a phone call, I always advise families to follow up with an email that provides a summary of what was discussed so that it is documented. As a teacher, I rely on a communication log that provides a glimpse at all communication. I recommend parents do the same.
Ask to record your meeting at least 24 hours in advance.
It is your right as a parent to record your IEP meeting, as long as you let the team know with at least 24 hours notice. This helps keep everyone accountable to what is said during the meeting.
Prepare and have a plan!
Make sure to read all of the reports ahead of time. Request to have them at least 3-5 days ahead of time. Make sure you understand them. If you don’t, reach out to someone who can help. Have an idea of what your child needs so you know how to navigate the conversation and know what supports to ask for. If you request something, make sure your request is backed by data.
Have a support system.
Whether it is your partner, a friend, or family member, have a support system. This process can be stressful. A lot of times families put all of their trust in the school and teachers, but it is easy to be overlooked. It takes a lot to be focused and prepared on your child’s case, so it is always helpful to have support, even if that is just someone you can lean on or bounce ideas off of.
Have your child attend their own IEP meeting, even if it is only for 5-10 minutes in the beginning.
Depending on the age of your child, consider having them attend the meeting either in part or in whole. My son is only eight years old, however, I made sure he popped into the meeting to say hello. It is important for the team to acknowledge him as a person, not just a file or stack of documents. He said hello, had a brief conversation with them about baseball, and kindly left the meeting in time for us to begin. I think it makes a difference.
Remain calm, cool, and collected during the meeting.
For the most part, these IEP meetings go smoothly. All team members work collaboratively and draft a great plan for the student. However, some meetings can be intense. When there are disagreements, it is important that all team members remain calm, cool, and collected. Stay focused on the big picture- your child getting the support they need. If needed, take a 5 minute break and ask to reconvene. Better to take that time than ruin the teamwork taking place.
Work together and stay focused on your child’s needs.
Like previously mentioned, stay focused on what your child needs. Everyone there has the intention of helping. Keep that in mind, and find solutions. Remember the process is ongoing. If you don’t feel properly supported, it is your right to meet again. There is ALWAYS something you can do to help your child.
These are just 10 tips out of many that come to mind. Follow my Instagram page for more information on parent’s rights, IDEA laws and mandates, school procedures, and resources. There is a community of parents there to help you. Feel free to reach out at any time.
