Whether your child has been part of the IEP process for awhile, or you’re just getting started, there are a few things you can do to help make the process a little easier to navigate.

 

First, it is important to understand the IEP process is a three year process that includes referral, evaluation, and eligibility. If your child is already receiving services, you are probably somewhere in this three year window. However, if you’ve not yet received services, you’re probably wondering where to start.

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If you suspect your child may need an Individualized Education Program (IEP) it’s important to start that process early as it takes at least 60 days to complete. Next, if you’re new to IEP planning, it’s helpful to know it is a three year process that includes referral, evaluation, and eligibility. You will need to obtain a referral to begin the evaluation process and determine eligibility. 

 

So how does this look over a three year time frame?

 

Year 1:

• Draft IEP

• Implement IEP

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Year 2:

• Update present level/goals/benchmarks

• Implement IEP

• Consent for Re-evaluation

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Year 3:

• Re-evaluation

• Update present levels/goals/benchmarks on IEP

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Planning for a Successful Meeting:

Meeting success is crucial when discussing your child’s IEP path. Whether this is a transition meeting from existing services, or you are evaluating the need for an IEP for the very first time, it is important to recognize you are your child’s biggest advocate. Here are a few things to think about: 

 

Before the meeting

• Know your child’s environment – Remember you are your child’s biggest advocate. In order to know what your child needs in the classroom, you must first observe the way your child, teacher, and classmates interact within that environment. If this isn’t an option, you will still be able to provide the team valuable insights based on your own observations of your child in various settings.

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• Know your concerns – Based on your observations, make a list of your concerns; what is going well and what needs some work.

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• Know your expectations – Before you can request certain goals be met with an IEP, you must first know what the expectations are for your child at this stage of their education. What are the areas where certain milestones are not being met? What are the areas where they seem to excel? Where do they seem to be struggling? What techniques have been implemented that have been successful? Where do you feel an IEP can help?

 

During the meeting

• Know your goals – When you go into the meeting, it’s hard to know what the outcome will be, but it’s important to have some mental goals that you want to achieve. 

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• Identifying the primary teacher, counselor, and therapists assigned to your student

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• Ask questions about the path they are recommending. How is your child’s performance being measured? Is their eligibility category correct?

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• Determine next steps. What is the timeframe for IEP Plan draft review? Once approved, how quickly will these steps be put in place? What is the timeframe and rubric for measuring success?

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