Parents Are a Great Asset to the IEP Team

The term "IEP" refers to Individualized Education Program, and is most often used in conjunction with special services or for providing instructional services for a child with special needs. It is an ongoing planning-tool that must be reviewed and revised on a regular basis.

Who Develops the IEP?

As early as possible after it has been determined that your child is eligible for special educational services, an IEP must be drawn up. The school is responsible to develop the document starting by gathering all the information.

Then the Individual Education Plan should be refined jointly by the child's teacher, staff involved with the child's program (i.e., Special Education Teacher, Speech-Language Pathologist) and the parent/guardian.

Communication from the beginning among all the IEP team members and the sharing of information and ideas will result in a practical, workable IEP for the benefit of all.

The implementation of an IEP should not have two warring sides. All team members are there to smooth the educational journey of YOUR CHILD. I have been on both sides of the table, believe you me, neither is easy. If anything, the whole IEP team is tied by THE SYSTEM and THE BUDGET FOR SPECIAL NEEDS. It is not parents vs. school.

I have gone to bat for special needs children in my class and had my fingers rapped by higher up. Teachers have much less clout to fix THE SYSTEM than parents and Special Needs support groups. Advocate for your child; do not alienate those who are on the same team. Find the root causes of problems and try to influence changes by going diplomatically through the right channels.

Why Have An IEP?
Parents and professionals from the school, as well as the child if he/she is old enough, must schedule an initial meeting…the first of many I am afraid to say. In an IEP meeting, the decisions regarding special education and related services are made and the individualized educational plan is discussed. The IEP will outline the services your child needs to meet his learning needs. Information about your child’s present educational performance is stated and the specific measurable goals he/she is expected to accomplish within the year are listed. Also short term goals are included and evaluated throughout the year on the way to making progress towards his annual goals.

What is the Role of the Parents?

Parents have a great deal of knowledge and experience regarding their child. Parents are the experts in their own right. They provide historical information and the big picture from year to year. They know what works and does not work with their child and can be a great asset to the IEP team.

The goals and specific expectations, the accommodations and program modifications required must be discussed while fine-tuning the IEP. That first meeting of the whole team will, therefore, not be so daunting to the parents. Nothing should come out as a surprise. The focus of the meeting should be on making the IEP work.

Tip For Parents ~ Keep Records of EVERYTHING!

From the beginning, parents must keep good records in a large, sturdy folder which can be brought to meetings and appointments. Start compiling a list of all the people you must deal with and include all their contact information. An address book for this purpose works well. Keep a journal to write down, in chronological order, all developments. Include all tests results, appointments and discussions about your child. After a phone call, immediately write down the W’s: who, when, why and what. A good policy is to ask for every important decision to be written and signed. Make copies of important papers to always have one to put in your folder. This folder is your bible, it will quickly be worth its weight in gold!

Parents will have to sign consent forms needed for further tests or for the school to receive test results from professionals. Share any relevant reports or assessments about your child. Give your contact information so you are easy to reach to hasten the process.

Who Makes Up the IEP Team?
*Parents and child if he/she is old enough
*Previous classroom teacher if a school term is starting
*Regular classroom teacher
* School system representative: ( usually our principal and or the Special education coordinator attended)
*Professional who can interpret the evaluation results that led to your child’s eligibility for an IEP
*Professional who will provide services as part of the IEP
*Any other person either party deems has special expertise about the child

It is important that all parties be present for the initial meeting as well as the follow-up ones. I remember when I was teaching, how difficult it was to set a time when all could be present. It takes time to arrange every aspect of an IEP, therefore start months before you want it in place.

All parties are there for the benefit of your child and want to work in a collaborative way to map out your child’s educational plan. It might be overwhelming for the parents but they should know the whole team wants this IEP to be well drawn up and workable as much as the parents.

It is important that parents continue to be informed and involved in their child's education leading up to the IEP and for all the years after.

Please add other suggestions for parents whose child is in an IEP.