Individualized Education Plans in Special Needs Planning
If you have a child with special needs, you may be wondering how you can ensure that their educational needs will be met and...
Read moreMany parents raising a child with special needs may feel that they are on their own and that few others understand their situation. However, during the 2022-2023 school year, about 7.5 million students ages 3 to 21 across the United States benefited from special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). That makes up about 15 percent of all public school students.
To ensure that each child with a disability receives a free and appropriate public education, school districts are required to provide an educational program and related services to all eligible children. To that end, each child in the public school system who receives special education or related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), also referred to as an Individualized Education Plan. Creating an IEP involves multiple meetings to not only create an appropriate plan but also to establish a collaborative effort for the child’s benefit.
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For parents of children with special needs, the first IEP meeting can feel overwhelming and emotional, but this legally mandated meeting is an important step in ensuring a child receives the educational support they need. Preparation can empower parents to be effective advocates for their child and work collaboratively with educators.
An Individualized Education Program is a written plan developed for students eligible for special education under IDEA. Under IDEA, public schools must create an IEP for each child who qualifies, ensuring they receive bespoke educational support and services. Creating an IEP allows the parents of a child with disabilities to work with their child’s teachers, school administrators, and related parties to build a unique framework for the best possible educational experience for their child.
Before your first IEP meeting, gather and review your child’s:
These documents will help you understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs from multiple perspectives.
Make sure you have received and reviewed the results of any evaluations on your child’s performance in school, which may include academic testing, cognitive assessments, and observations. If anything is unclear, request clarification before or during the meeting.
No one knows your child like you do. Make a list of the following, along with any other important points you think of:
Bringing a written list to the meeting ensures you don’t forget anything during the meeting.
Understanding your rights under IDEA can help you feel more confident. Parents have the right to be involved throughout the IEP process, starting with the point of identifying the possibility of the child having a disability. Parents have the right to participate in meetings related to the evaluation, identification, and educational placement of their child. Parents also have the right to dispute decisions through mediation or due process.
Resources like Wrightslaw, Parent Training and Information Centers, or a special needs planning attorney in your state can provide helpful guidance.
You are allowed to bring someone with you to the IEP meeting. This person could be a spouse or partner, a friend or relative who knows your child, or an advocate or special education professional. This support person can help take notes, ask questions, and provide emotional support.
The best IEPs are built through collaboration. While you bring deep knowledge of your child, educators contribute professional insight and experience. Aim to build a team relationship rooted in trust and open communication.
Though each first IEP meeting will be unique, you and your IEP team should:
You do not have to sign the IEP at the meeting. If you need time to review the plan, you can take a copy home and sign it later.
After the IEP meeting, review the plan carefully and make sure it reflects what was discussed. If you agreed to provide or receive additional information, follow up in writing. Stay involved by monitoring your child’s progress and maintaining regular communication with teachers and service providers. Schedule regular IEP reviews (at least annually) and request a new meeting if your child’s needs change.
Your first IEP meeting marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership with your child’s school. Though the process can be complex, you don’t have to go through it alone. Seek support from local disability organizations, special education advocates, and parent groups. With preparation and persistence, you can help ensure your child receives the education and support they need to thrive.
Additional resources can be found at Understood.org, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, and the U.S. Department of Education’s IDEA page. You can find information and resources specific to your state on your state’s department of education website.
For additional reading about special needs education, check out the following articles:
If you have a child with special needs, you may be wondering how you can ensure that their educational needs will be met and...
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