Going through the IEP process can be intimidating and frustrating for parents. We want to fight for our kids and make sure they are getting everything they need but there are not necessarily a lot of resources available for parents to prepare for this process.
Keeping in mind there are different laws and processes from state to state and even between different school districts, we are talking with ESE teacher Heather Brace to get some advice and tips for parents on how to make the most out of this process.
In order to have an IEP your child would have to have some testing done. You would have had an evaluation meeting where a team of different specialties (ESE teacher, school psychologist, OT, ST and possibly a behavior specialist) meet together to determine what testing is needed, which will then determine if your child is eligible for services.
After the evaluation is the IEP meeting where the whole team together will discuss what your child needs in order to be successful in school. After the initial meeting to develop the IEP, parents and the IEP team should meet at at least 1x/year.
In these meetings you will go over present levels, how they are doing, where they started and what progress has been made. You will review data and discuss what changes need to be made to the IEP.
Goals must be individualized and customized for your child. They should look at the whole child. This includes academics, language, social emotional and independent functioning. Often with children with Autism, the social emotional and independent functioning are two of the most important parts of the IEP, as these areas can have a huge impact on their school day and their learning.
7 Tips for parents to remember when going into an IEP meeting:
1. “The parent is the most important member of this team! Without the parent, nothing can get done!” Remember this!!
2. Be open minded. Some things may be hard to hear, but the team is there to talk openly about your child in order to decide on the environment, strategies and supports that will help your child be the most successful. Everyone should go into the meeting with an open mind and share their ideas
3. As a parent you have a voice. There is nothing that you can’t ask. Don’t be afraid to ask them to stop and explain something, ask questions or ask for clarification on anything you might not understand.
4. You have the right to have an advocate come with you to be the voice for you and help you understand the process, know what questions to ask and make sure everything is covered. This HAS to be allowed.
5. Typically IEPs are reviewed annually, but parents can call and request a meeting at ANY time! If you have concerns or questions during the school year you should always request a meeting. (Every 3 years a re-evaluation is done).
6. Setting or least restrictive environment – be sure to discuss exactly what your child’s day will look like and what setting or combination of settings your child will thrive in. Some children may be “mainstreamed” into a general education classroom for the full day or for certain parts of the day and be in a self contained classroom during other parts of the day.
In self contained classrooms, children will have more flexibility in their learning environment, it’s a smaller setting with a higher teacher to child ratio. In these classes, they can still work on grade level standards, but can also allow for more flexibility, more support measures and more focus on language and social emotional skills.
7. Consider modifications or accommodations that could help your child be successful. This could include things like extended time on certain tasks or tests, frequent breaks, a visual schedule or a special behavior plan.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our interview with Heather Brace where we will dive deeper into accommodations, and discuss parent/teacher communication, as well as Behavior Intervention Plans.
Sensory Challenges?
Does your child have sensory challenges? Maybe they are having tantrums or meltdowns? Maybe your child is constantly moving, spinning or climbing or it is impossible for your child to sit still or focus? Maybe they are super picky about food or clothing or have trouble in crowds?
Make sure you check out our “Parents Roadmap to the Sensory System.” With this roadmap, IMMEDIATELY start decreasing your child’s frustrations, help them focus, leave the meltdowns behind, and start working towards calmer and more peaceful family time! The roadmap provides strategies not just for home, but also for school!