The IEP Is In Place… Yay! Now What Do I Do?

Congratulations! You've had the initial IEP meeting, and a plan is now in place for your kid. This is huge first step, and you’ve “stepped up to the plate to advocate”. 

But for many parents, the question quickly shifts from "How do I get an IEP?" to "Now that we have one, what's next?"

An IEP is a living document, a roadmap for your kid's learning for the foreseeable future. It's not a" set-it-and-forget-it" deal. As a parent, you are an invaluable, essential member of the IEP team, and your continued involvement is critical to ensuring your kid receives the right support to be their most successful, independent self in school.

So, with that initial meeting behind you, here are 10 solid ideas to help you ensure your kid is truly getting everything they need:

Deep Dive into the Document: Don't just skim it.

Read every single word of the finalized IEP. Understand the goals, accommodations, modifications, services, and how progress will be measured. If anything is unclear, or if you feel something discussed isn't accurately reflected, reach out to the school immediately to clarify or request revisions. Remember, if it's not written down, it didn't happen!

Organize Your IEP File: Create a dedicated system for all IEP-related documents.

This could be a physical binder with clearly labeled sections or a digital folder on your computer/cloud storage. Include meeting notices, evaluations, progress reports, emails, and notes from conversations. A well-organized file is your best friend for quick reference and future advocacy. Keep everything!

Understand Progress Monitoring: The IEP outlines how your kid's progress on their goals will be measured and how often you'll receive reports.

Make sure you understand the specific metrics and timelines. If the school uses graphs or data sheets, ask for explanations if you're unsure how to interpret them. You can ask for progress monitoring data at any time!

Track Progress Independently (When Possible): While the school is responsible for tracking, your own observations are invaluable.

Keep a simple log or journal of your kid's progress at home, noting things like homework completion, specific skill practice, or behavioral patterns. This can be as simple as a few notes on a calendar or a quick voice memo. This independent data can provide crucial insights and help you identify if the IEP is truly working or if adjustments are needed.

Establish Clear Communication: Identify the key school personnel for regular communication (e.g., special education teacher, general education teacher, case manager).

Ask about their preferred method of communication (email, phone, weekly note) and establish a consistent check-in schedule. Open and respectful communication is key to a collaborative relationship. Positive conversations can lead to positive outcomes for your kid!

Observe Your kid in Their School Environment: If permitted by the school, request opportunities to observe your kid in their classroom or during therapy sessions.

This can give you a firsthand look at how the IEP is being implemented and how your kid is responding to supports.

Ask for Clarification! There Are No Silly Questions: Special education can be full of acronyms and jargon. If you don't understand something about your kid's services, goals, or assessments, ask for an explanation in plain language. You have the right to fully comprehend your kid's educational plan.

Understand Your Parental Rights (Procedural Safeguards): Familiarize yourself with your rights as a parent under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

This includes rights related to evaluations, IEP meetings, dispute resolution, and access to information. Your school district should provide you with a copy of these procedural safeguards, and if you’re not sure what they mean, ASK them to be explained in parent friendly language! Grab a copy of the Federal Procedural Safeguards HERE!

Connect with Other Parents and Resources: Join parent advocacy and learning support groups, online forums, or connect with local advocacy organizations.

Inclusiveology offers a free space to connect and ask questions, AND is getting ready to launch a brand-new platform at the end of summer! Stay tuned for more... Sharing experiences and learning from other parents who have been through similar situations can be incredibly empowering and provide valuable insights and strategies. Organizations like your state's Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) are excellent resources.

Remember the "I" in IEP: Individualization is Key! Your kid's IEP is individualized. 

This means it should be tailored to their unique strengths, needs, and learning style. If you notice that your kid isn't making expected progress, or if their needs change, don't wait for the annual review. You have the right to request an IEP meeting at any time to discuss concerns and propose adjustments to the plan. Amendments can happen any time through the year.

You ARE a strong advocate for your kid. Paying attention and staying involved will help ensure that the IEP is not just a document on paper, but a plan that truly supports your kid academically, socially, and emotionally in their school environment. You've got this!

And if you feel like you need more support, we're here. Whenever you need us.