Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are required by federal law for all students receiving special education services. They outline the specific programs, services, accommodations and modifications a student will receive each year. Parental involvement in the IEP process is critical for ensuring that IEPs meet student needs.
When Do IEP Meetings Occur?
IEP meetings are held when a student
is initially eligible for special education services and the parent agrees to these services. Then, they’re held at least once each year after that. School personnel, usually teachers or therapists, will schedule these meetings. However, it’s important to remember that parents can request an IEP meeting at any time.
Before the Meeting
There are several steps you can take to prepare for the meeting. Gather all relevant documents, including academic records, doctor’s notes and any other materials that may provide insight to the IEP team about your child’s strengths and needs. If the child is old enough to share their own insights, ask them about their challenges and wins at school and about what they want to do as they move into the next grade or even after graduation. Prepare your own list of your child’s strengths, needs and interests to share with the team, too.
At the Meeting
IEP meetings include various team members, including you, your child’s teachers and therapists, and sometimes even your child. There may be other people from the school there, too, and you can always invite others. Team members will share with you any assessments, reports and insights they have. Feel free to share your own thoughts, concerns and ideas. If you have questions or don’t understand something, this is a great time to ask. The team will review previous IEP documents, discuss priorities, ideas or concerns of team members and then set goals and expectations for the coming year.
Setting Goals and Determining Services
IEPs must include information about your child’s present level of functioning in each area where a goal is set. The team may set any goal they deem appropriate to help the child. Remember, you’re a vital member of that team! Goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. After goals are set, the team will discuss the services and supports needed to help the child meet those goals. Remember, goals should be aligned with your child’s long-term educational needs.
After the Meeting
You will be provided with a copy of your child’s IEP. Your child’s teachers and therapists will provide you with regular updates about your child’s progress toward meeting their goals throughout the following year. But remember, you can always go to teachers or therapists to collaborate, partner on new ideas and share important information.
Making the Most of IEP Meetings
IEPs are required by law, but more than that, when used as intended, they are a tool to guide appropriate services and support for individual children. Your continued engagement with your child’s school, teachers and therapists is critical to your child’s educational journey. Remember, you can contact school personnel anytime to share or request information, collaborate and partner with them to create the best possible education for your child, and request a follow-up meeting if there are any concerns about the IEP’s effectiveness or implementation.
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