My son is 12 and has a myriad of disabilities. But as I sit back and think of where I want him five years from now, this is the list I come up with:

• On track to graduate with a FULL diploma
• The ability to pursue additional education
• Self-confidence
• Impulse control
• Socially aware
• Able to articulate ideas in words and writing
• Ability to write short notes by hand
• Be able to compose a well-thought-out email using accommodations

As I read through his IEP, each goal should support one of these vision points. And if one of the bullet points is not addressed in the IEP, that might be a talking point with the team. How can this bullet point be addressed?

I would encourage you, the parent, to include your vision in the "Parent Concerns" or Parental Input portion of the IEP. It is helpful for the team to see the vision of where you are heading before getting into the nitty-gritty of the IEP.

If you are struggling to see how the IEP can be tailored to fit the vision you have for your child, check out the IEP Compass, a parent handbook that meticulously walks you through the IEP step by step. 

Navigating the IEP meeting process shouldn't be daunting. By understanding the purpose of the meeting, preparing relevant documents, communicating effectively with the IEP team, collaborating with them, and seeking further support, parents can confidently approach the meeting to ensure the best outcomes for their child. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. With the appropriate preparation and resources, we can all navigate through the complexities of special education and empower our children to thrive.

• Identify Key Activities – Determine the main transitions and tasks in your child’s day, such as morning routines, schoolwork, playtime, and bedtime.
• Choose a Format – Depending on your child’s needs, you can use picture cards, written lists, digital apps, or interactive boards.
• Make It Accessible – Place the schedule in a visible location and ensure it’s easy to understand.
• Use Consistent Reinforcement – Encourage your child to check and follow the schedule, providing gentle guidance as needed.
• Adapt as Needed – As your child grows and develops new skills, update the schedule to reflect their evolving needs.

As a parent, you are likely familiar with the term "case manager." A case manager is an employee of your child's school responsible for ensuring that all parties involved with your child's education understand their roles and responsibilities. The case manager is a liaison between the general education teacher(s) and the special education teacher(s). They ensure that both teachers work together to provide services per your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

If your child has an IEP, then you have probably been told that it must be read by every person who interacts with them regularly: general education teachers, aides, bus drivers, and paraprofessionals must all be aware of what services are being provided at school so they can ensure those needs are met during class time as well as after-hours activities such as sports practices or games--even if those activities take place off campus!

A good case manager will ensure that the IEP and goals are understood by all teachers and parents.

As a parent, you want to ensure that all teachers understand your child's IEP. You should feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and knowing that the case manager will be able to explain your child's goals and what they need to achieve them.

A good case manager will be able to explain the IEP and goals in terms that are clear for parents as well as co-teachers. For example, suppose you feel that the General Education teacher needs to more fully understand your child's IEP. In that case, you can request to add collaboration time between the Case Manager and General Education teacher(s) to your child's IEP. This will ensure they are communicating the specific needs of your child.

The case manager may work with school aides, counselors, social workers, and other staff members to help support your child's IEP.

As a parent, you may feel overwhelmed by trying to manage your child's IEP. The Special Education Case Manager can help you track and understand your child's goals and objectives and how they will be measured. In addition, many accommodations and supports are available in the district that parents often are unaware of. The case manager might be an excellent resource to see what is available. But remember, sometimes more accommodations mean more work for the school team. If you feel your child is not getting what they need, you should research or contact an advocate for guidance.

In summary, the special education case manager can be a valuable part of your child's education. They can be the link that helps you understand what's going on in your child's classroom and are responsible for helping your child get what they need. If you're unhappy with how things are going at school, please contact me. I'm here to help.

Writing a Parent Concerns Letter for an IEP is an important step in advocating for your child’s special education needs. When done, you can feel confident that your voice has been heard and that your child will have the support they need to thrive. Remember, you are part of the team. By taking the time to write this letter and collaborate with the team, you are signaling that you expect your child's needs to be met.

Talk to Lisa about your concerns

Steps to Take When an IEP is Not Working

If your child's IEP is not working, there are several steps you can take. The first step is to talk to the teacher. Sometimes this is a simple oversight. They don't know or simply forgot about the accommodations required in the IEP or 504. It could also be that your child is declining support. That is when your child should be a part of that conversation. You may wish to include the case manager so she can ensure everyone is on the same page and explain any IEP details that either the parents or teachers do not understand. Make sure to send a follow-up email after the meeting about what you discussed together. This email recap is always a good idea when talking in person, so there is a paper trail and something to refresh your memory later on.

If you don't see any improvement after meeting "unofficially," schedule a meeting with the IEP team. Send a parent concerns letter several days before or when requesting the meeting so they can be prepared to address your issues. You can also request an evaluation if you feel that your child's data is out of data.

If the IEP team is not working to address your concerns, it's time to seek outside support.

Options for Making Changes to the IEP

Some parents have asked me, "What should I recommend when meeting with the team?" Remember, it is a team conversation; tell them your concerns and open the discussion. But some suggestions you might think about are:

• Revise goals and objectives.
• Adding accommodations.
• Update progress timelines and data. 
• Adding support time or related services. Review data, how it is collected, and what it is telling you
• Adding teacher training to the IEP to address specific areas of lacking knowledge about your child or their disability. (Did you even know you could do that?)

When to seek outside help

Consult a special education advocate

If you are not satisfied with the services provided by your child's school district, consider hiring an independent advocate who can help guide you through getting what your child needs to succeed in school. Here is a blog post about finding an advocate that is the right fit for you.

Find a special education attorney

If there are still major issues with your child's IEP after seeking advice from an advocate, consider hiring an attorney specializing in special education law (COPAA is an excellent resource for this).

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the ins and outs of your child's IEP can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating process. However, you can make a substantial difference in their educational experience with the right mindset, support, and resources.

Remember to be persistent; they are planning for the year, and you are planning for your child's life. Communicate openly with the IEP team, and be your child's strongest advocate. Don't hesitate to seek outside help if necessary, and always keep track of your child's progress. By taking these proactive steps, you'll be well-equipped to ensure your child's IEP is working effectively and helping them reach their full potential. Finally, stay positive, and never forget that you are not alone in this journey—there are countless other parents and professionals who share your commitment to supporting children with special needs.

1.Parental Consent and Participation

Parents have the right to be actively involved in the special education process, including their child's evaluation, identification, and placement. Schools must obtain informed parental consent before evaluating or implementing an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Additionally, parents not only have the right to participate in IEP meetings but are essential team members of the IEP team. They are not only to be included in IEP meetings but any other decision-making processes related to their child's education.

2.Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)

When parents disagree with the results of the school's evaluation, they have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the school's expense. An IEE is conducted by a qualified professional not employed by the school district, providing an unbiased assessment of the child's needs. PLEASE NOTE: You may choose your own examiner. The district may limit cost and require specific qualifications, but they may not dictate who performs the IEE.

3.Prior Written Notice

Schools must provide parents with prior written notice whenever they propose or refuse to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a child with a disability. This notice must include a detailed explanation of the decision, the reasons behind it, and all of the options considered and rejected.

4. Confidentiality of Information

Schools must protect the privacy of students with disabilities and their families by maintaining the confidentiality of all records and information related to the child's special education services. However, parents have the right to inspect and review their child's educational records and request amendments if they believe the information is inaccurate or misleading.

5. Due Process Complaints and Mediation

Parents who disagree with a school's decision regarding their child's special education services have the right to file a due process complaint. This complaint initiates a formal dispute resolution process, which may involve mediation or a due process hearing. Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps the parents and school reach an agreement. If mediation is unsuccessful or not pursued, a due process hearing may be held, where an impartial hearing officer reviews the case and issues a decision.

6.Stay-Put Provision

During the resolution of a due process complaint, the "stay-put" provision ensures that the child remains in their current educational placement unless both parties agree otherwise. This provision helps maintain stability for the child while the dispute is being resolved.

Understanding procedural safeguards is crucial for parents and guardians of special education students. It empowers parents to advocate for their child's rights and ensures they receive appropriate support and accommodations. In addition, by familiarizing yourself with these safeguards, you can actively participate in the special education process and work collaboratively with the school to create the best possible learning environment for your child.