Parents as Advocates
IEP:
1. legally required document
2. defines goals, supports, and services.
(IEP) Individualized Education Plan
For the best interest of the child.
Prior to Meeting
The process includes working together to try intervention methods, followed by the decision to formally evaluate with a variety of assessments, observations, and information gathering. The multi-disciplinary team (MDT) determines if your child meets the criteria of eligibility for special education and/or related services.
After the specific disability is figured out, a meeting is arranged within 30 days of the date it was determined your child was eligible.
Meeting
Who
Typically required members:
Parent/guardian
General education teacher
Special education teacher
Local education agency (LEA) representative (usually an administrator)
Individual who can interpret the instructional implications of the evaluation
Others as invited by parents or agency (school)
Your Role
An equal participant that provides details on how your child interacts at home and in the community. Participant in developing educational goals and objectives, special education and related services to be provided, and identifying the appropriate educational program for your child.
What
Identify student needs:
Determine provisions to meet needs
Determine desired goals to be achieved
Commitment in writing of resources school agrees to provide, including support services (i.e. OT, speech)
Determine modifications and accommodations to be provided
Evaluation of child's progress
Clarification of issues
Cooperative decision-making by team for THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD.
Follow-up
All elements of the IEP are written and sent to you, if not completed at the meeting. Does it line up with what you thought it would be? Ask questions and request meetings as reasonable for you to feel you are comfortable and understand the plan.
“You are an equal, key part of the team!”
You Need to Know
You deserve to be heard and ask questions.
You have the right to be notified in writing within 10 days of the meeting, and an honest effort (3x) to work with your schedule so you can attend! (in-person or virtually)
You have the right to invite ANY individual to the meeting who has knowledge or expertise about your child. (Be respectful - notify the team of your invite prior to the meeting)
Want your child to attend? Make it happen! (They should be if transition services are being determined!)
Meetings must be convened at the reasonable request of any IEP team member. (That includes you!)
Your child has the right to the least-restrictive environment!
Additional Resources
Special Education in North Dakota - Guidelines: Individualized Education Program Planning Process
Understanding, Developing, and Writing Effective IEPs: A step-by-step guide for educators. R. Pierangelo & G. Giuliani. ISBN: 978-1-4129-1786-5
