19 Steps To Take During, End And After The IEP Meeting

During the IEP meeting, you will develop the IEP document, which is a written statement that lists the support and services your special needs child will receive to reach his goals. As a parent, you are an equal member of the IEP team, and you have the right and the responsibility of organizing information, monitoring progress, and making plans to avoid problems.
Remember that you are an equal member of the IEP team.

1. Be sure you understand the words used in the IEP and in the meeting, all the test results, and any new goals that are suggested. Compare the school’s goals with your goals. Ask for clarification if you need to, and ask about the implications of what is said in the meeting. Take notes, and read back your notes to other members of the IEP team on any critical issues to ensure mutual understanding.

2. Be prepared to listen to others’ points of view, and be sure your views are heard. Be assertive, but stay calm.

3. Remember that services are based on individual need, not availability. If needed services are not available, be sure that this is stated on the IEP form, as well as when the services will be made available. Services and assistive technology must be provided even if not currently available in your child’s school. Remember that services must be provided in the least restrictive setting appropriate for your child.

4. Discuss the amount of special education and regular education your child requires.

5. Write the IEP with goals that you understand and that a teacher and other staff can use to measure progress. How progress will be measured should be clearly stated in the IEP.

6. The IEP should include any accommodations and changes to your child’s regular education classes that may be needed, including both physical and academic accommodations (e.g., assistive technology, homework and test- ing accommodations).

7. Walk into the meeting cordially and greet everyone who is present. You might even want to prepare some food or snacks, especially if the meeting takes place during a mealtime. Find an appropriate area to hold the meeting, such as a round table; this trick will help you all feel as if you are equal participants in the IEP meeting. If you feel uncomfortable going by yourself, bring a spouse or close friend to act as your support system.

8. Tell your story about your child — you are the one who knows him best — but also stay focused and explain what you want for your child. The educators and therapists will explain how your child can reach those goals through the interventions.

9. Be prepared to express interest in therapies and explain which ones have been effective or not effective in the past. Be open to suggestions and listen to the professionals and school personnel; they might see something you do not or might have other ideas about what your child needs.

10.Take notes. You might even be able to bring a device to record the IEP meeting. If new questions arise other than the ones you wrote down, don’t be afraid to ask. If you don’t understand an intervention or potential objective, make sure you know its purpose and how it can help your child achieve his goals.

11. Do not sign the document at the initial IEP meeting. You are allowed to take it home to review it, and you should do so.

12. The IEP meeting is meant to put a document into place that will be translated into education and therapies that will help your child meet his goals. If you are clear about what you want for your child and will advocate for your child’s needs while also listening to the other professionals at the table, you will end up with a document suitable for your child’s special needs.

AT THE END OF THE IEP MEETING

1. Make sure that all blanks and spaces in the IEP form are filled in.

2. Make sure that all the related services and the duration and amount that your child needs of each are listed.

3. Make sure the amount of time your child will spend in regular education is listed.

4. The law ensures a process for resolving differences. If you cannot come to an agreement, you may request another meeting. Do not feel pressured to make a decision immediately. You may write on the IEP form that you do not agree, or identify the portions with which you do not agree. You might wish to initial those areas with which you agree and request a 30-day interim IEP. If you feel it is necessary, you can also ask for mediation, request due process, or file a written complaint with the state education agency.

Here is a link for sample letters for request of due process and who to request a due process hearing:
http://www.ldonline.org/article/14628

Due Process Hearings in California
http://wwwstatic.kern.org/gems/fcmat/OverviewofOAH.pdf

AFTER THE IEP MEETING

1. Ask for a copy of the IEP meeting minutes, and send back a copy of any corrections.

2. Obtain a copy of the IEP for your records.

3. Share a copy of the IEP with your child’s health professionals.

4. Observe your child’s program to ensure that your child receives the services contained in the IEP and that the school is working actively toward achieving the IEP goals. The school is required to report on your child’s progress as often as nondisabled children receive progress reports.

5. Remember that you can ask for a review of your child’s IEP at any time during the school year.