Advocating 4 Fair Education - Blog #Vision StatementAdvocating 4 Fair Education - Blog #Vision Statementhttps://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/tag/vision-statementSun, 09 Aug 2026 01:40:28 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[The 5 Year Vision]]>https://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/post/the-5-year-visionI 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.]]>

Why Include your Vision in the Parent Concerns 

When I was working through the process of becoming a Master IEP Coach®, we discussed the five-year VISION. Where do you want your child in 5 years? Do the goals in the IEP reflect that vision? 

The idea of looking into the future when considering goals, accommodations, and life skills has stuck with me.  So much so that I included it as one of the steps in my Parent Handbook, the IEP Compass. 

Sometimes as parents, we get caught up in the right now. But I have really stepped back to take a look at what I hope my child will be doing in 5 years.

5 YEAR VISION

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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. 

Learn More about the Parent Compass

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Ready to turn your 5-year vision into real IEP goals? We're here to help!

Contact us for expert advocacy support. Our team is ready to assist you with your special education needs and concerns.

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]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:56:46 +0000<![CDATA[From Overwhelmed to Confident: How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting]]>https://www.advocating4faireducation.com/blogs/post/how-to-prepare-for-an-iep-meetingAs parents of children with special needs, we know that preparing for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting can feel overwhelming. It's a pivotal moment where we advocate for our child's education and ensure they receive the support they need.]]>


As parents of children with special needs, we know that preparing for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting can feel overwhelming. It's a pivotal moment where we advocate for our child's education and ensure they receive the support they need. In this post, I'll guide you through the process of preparing for an IEP meeting, drawing from personal experience, professional expertise, and valuable insights. As a community, let's help each other and navigate this journey together.

Understanding the IEP Meeting


An IEP meeting is a legal process that involves parents, the school team (at least the case manager and general education teacher), and a representative from the district to develop or review an Individualized Education Plan for a child with a disability. The purpose of the IEP meeting is to identify the child's unique needs and goals, assess the educational program, and determine how to support the child's academic and functional success.
IEP meetings should be held at least annually, but can be as frequently as needed. Additional meetings may be requested by either the parent or the school team to address any new concerns or changes in the child's needs.

Gathering Essential Documents


Before an IEP meeting, parents should gather essential documents that will help inform the meeting's discussion. These documents include previous IEPs and progress reports, medical and evaluative information, emails from teachers or communication from the school, letters from doctors or therapists, and parent observations and concerns. By reviewing previous IEPs and progress reports, parents can access information on their child's academic goals, progress, and any modifications or accommodations that were previously implemented. School/teacher communication can shed light on behaviors or struggles and will hold a lot of weight at the IEP meeting because it is behavior at school. Parent observations and concerns can help identify areas of need that may not have been addressed in previous IEPs or evaluations. I always recommend that parents create "THE LIST." This is a list of concerns they have for their child: academics (don't forget writing), behavioral, social, emotional, etc. Make sure each of the areas of concern is not only noted in the Parent Concerns section of the IEP, but also addressed one by one during the meeting. If something is not addressed, pause the conversation and ask to have it addressed. If you are running out of time, ask to reconvene.
I highly recommend asking for a draft copy of the IEP from the school. At the very LEAST this draft should cover the present levels of your child, it is good to review this section with a find tooth comb, this will give you some insight into what the school team is thinking. Most schools will also provide proposed goals and accommodations in the draft. This inclusion will also allow you to go over "the list" before even walking into the room and write down your thoughts and suggestions for improvement.

Effective Communication and Advocacy

During an IEP meeting, parents should express their child’s unique strengths and needs, share their vision with the team, and utilize clear, jargon-free language. Parents should also be active listeners and responders, clarifying any uncertainties and acknowledging the school team’s input.

Collaborating with the IEP Team
Collaboration is key in ensuring the success of a child's IEP. To foster positive relationships, parents should take an active role in developing trust and open communication with the IEP team. Understanding the various roles of different IEP team members will help parents navigate the process and build mutual respect and knowledge.

Addressing Parents' Concerns and Questions

It's normal to feel overwhelmed or concerned during an IEP meeting. Assertive communication techniques and asking questions that ensure clarity and understanding can help parents address their child's needs and goals effectively. Parents should also request that any refusals be well documented in the PWN and specify that the team needs to include their specific reasons for the refusal or denial.



Seeking Further Support and Resources

There are many resources available to parents who want to further educate themselves on the IEP process. Advocacy groups and networks, training and workshops, and online resources and guides can be helpful tools. Understood.org and Wrightslaw.com are great options for researching IEP guidelines and issues. Parents can also seek out an advocate to accompany them during the meeting and provide additional support. (I know a fabulous advocate if you are looking).

I'm looking for an advocate to help me navigate Special Education - Meet with Lisa
Meet with Lisa

IEP Compass

Do you feel like you need more support guidance but don't necessarily need an advocate at the table with you? I have just the thing. I have taken my $698 package and put it in a step by step workbook. Please note, it is not easy to get all my expertise in a short guide, this guide is 55 pages long, but it is designed to give you all of the support you need to have confidence in the meeting. And let me assure you confidence is half the battle. You can have this package for $239, BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE!!! I don't want to leave you without a way to get your questions answered, so the workbook comes with 1 hour of 1:1 facetime with me. You will work through the book and then before your meeting meet with me and ask all your questions. You will be prepared!!!

Learn More about the IEP Compass - The Parent Handbook to IEPs

Conclusion

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.

Contact information
​Get in touch with us

The school team is already prepared for the IEP meeting. Let's make sure you are, too. We're here to help!

Contact us for expert advocacy support. Our team is ready to assist you with your special education needs and concerns.

Book a Consultation with Lisa

Support

support@advocating4faireducation.com

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