Getting Ready for the IEP Process: Some Thoughts and a List

One statement about the IEP process is that everyone seems to accept at face value is that the process is hard on parents.  No ands, ifs, or buts, the IEP process is stressful and often quite emotional for a family trying to make sure that they are doing what they should and that the district is providing appropriate services to the child.  In evaluating issues that have come up with different parents and districts over the years, and from personal experience, here is a short list of some things that parents can do to prepare for the IEP and to help make the process work more smoothly.  While there will still be bumps in the road, I find that doing these things does help.  They do take an investment of time and effort, but your child is well worth the effort.

Remember, these are things you should do to prepare for the process.  I will talk about the IEP itself and what parents need to understand about the meeting in the future.

First, we need to start with 3 basic premises: 

First, you as the parent understand that you have a responsibility in the IEP process to educate yourself about your child’s disability, what it means, what services are out there, and understand that to make the IEP process work successfully for your child, you have to invest some time and effort.

Second, understand that the school and school staff are not your enemy.  The vast, vast majority of ESE staff and teachers want nothing more than to see every child to succeed and often will bend over backwards to try and help them.  Obviously, there are exceptions, but remember, teachers did not go into teaching to get rich.  (If they did, they certainly chose the wrong profession.) They went into teaching because they love working with kids.

Third, you will do all you can to keep the lines of communication open, even if you get frustrated.  Remember the old adage that you can get more flies with honey than with vinegar?  It is true.  If you treat people like a partner, they will usually treat you the same way.  If you treat them like an enemy, don’t be surprised if the individual barricades get thrown up.  (School staff – remember, the same applies to you, too!)

Now, the list: 

·        Honestly examine your child’s strengths and weaknesses

·        Determine a vision for your child (the vision can change over time, but it gives you a reference point)

·        Identify the educational needs to reach that vision

·        Write a needs statement and an alternative list or action plan on how to get there

·        Develop a partnership with your school.  The truth is, in the vast majority of the situations I see, the district wants your child to be as successful as possible, even though you might not always agree on how to get there.

·        Develop an understanding of what programs are offered in your local school district. 

o   If you don’t know or understand something, then ASK QUESTIONS!

o   Remember,  if you are going to be an equal partner in the IEP team, you need  to learn

·        Provide the IEP team / eligibility team with copies of information the school may not have.

o   Medical records

o   Past school records, tests, and any outside evaluations

o   Remember, the school needs to see documentation to consider them.

o   Try to provide them far enough in advance so that the team can have a chance to consider their meaning in the big picture of the child before you walk into the IEP meeting.  (As a parent, I don’t want to be blindsided by new info, and neither do the school folks.)

·        Find out how you and the school can collaborate to support the agreed upon program at home

o   Reinforcement is often critical for kids with disabilities. If everyone isn’t on the same page, often it will create confusion for the child, and slow down gains.

·        Keep notes and records – remember, if it isn’t written down, it did not happen.

·        Organize yourself.  Have a record keeping system.  Treat paperwork like you do your financial or medical records.  That way, when you need to access something, you will be able to.  Don’t wait to do this – it is far easier to organize from the start than from 6 months or a year into the process.

Anyway, this isn’t a complete list, but it should give you something to think about.  As the time moves on, I’ll talk more about different aspects of the IEP process.  But first, get yourself prepared.  Good luck, and get started!