Quick Check: Your Child's IEP
Monday, January 20, 2025
Quick Check: Your Child's IEP
Let's be honest; there are a million things to consider when examining an IEP. It really can get overwhelming. Where do I start? Why do I need to worry about anything other than goals? Isn't this the school's job?
I can and will write blogs on each step and process in the IEP. But for those of you that don't want to get in the nitty-gritty, just want to look at the snapshot and make sure the basics are there, or simply don't have the time or energy to do a deep dive into your child's IEP, I have put together a quick and easy checklist to make sure those basics are there.
I'll touch on the big five here, but if you would like the checklist, please let me know below, and I'll gladly send you this checklist.
Parent Statement
This is a VITAL part of the IEP. Often I will see in the IEP draft "Will discuss at the meeting." or "TBD." This is YOUR opportunity to be heard. What you submit here will determine the tone and level of participation the team will expect from you during the meeting. This is your opportunity to sit in the driver's seat for the goals and services being written.
Present Levels
Make sure this is detailed. You should see not only your child's current reading level here, their last standardized test score, or their last report card grades, but this should also include all baseline data driving the goals and the teachers' areas of concern. It should also include your child's strengths and areas of accomplishment.
Goals
These should be SMART! Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
Accommodations
This is the time to sit down with your child and talk to them. Are they using these accommodations? Are they working? If they are not using them, why? If they are not working, what would work? Only your child can fill in these blanks.
Services
This is always the trickiest part of a long and detailed IEP. Sometimes the school will imply they will support a child in one way or another but then fails to record that support here. Make sure every single minute is documented here. Remember, if it is not written down, the school is not legally bound to follow through.
If you get nothing else from this blog, please know your voice is the most critical voice at the table. You know your child better than anyone else sitting there. But you will only be heard if you are well-informed and speak up. You are the best advocate for your child, and you can CHANGE their future for the better.
If you need help navigating the special education process, email me at support@advocating4faireducation.com
Hi, I Am
Lisa Stewart M.Ed.
Founder of
Advocating 4 Fair Education
and Dyslexic Parent
Lisa Stewart is the driving force behind Advocating4FairEducation.com, where she passionately advocates for equitable and inclusive educational practices. With a deep-seated commitment to transforming educational systems, Lisa leverages her extensive background in educational policy, community outreach, and grassroots activism to address disparities and promote fairness in schools. Her work focuses on ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality education and the resources they need to succeed. Through her platform, Lisa empowers educators, engages communities, and influences policy to create a more just and effective educational landscape for all.
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I offer individual support where I will walk with you step by step to support your child on their educational journey.
However, I also offer a Handbook and Video Series that will walk you through the process -- as well as a Webinar where you can come and ask questions specific to your child.