The beginning of a new school year can be scary for many families whose students have IEPs. Often it means new service providers, teachers, classrooms, peers, and schedules. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate some of the anxiety and stress to help students be more comfortable and successful—right from the start.
Visit the New Classroom When It’s Empty
Before school starts, visit the new classroom when there are no other 
students present. This way, your child can take in the surroundings without the added stimulus of other children’s noise. A private “meet and greet” with the teacher can also be hugely beneficial. If there’s going to be an aide or any other new service providers, meeting them beforehand is similarly important.
Call an Early IEP Meeting
If you are unsure about how an IEP is going to be administered, or if you have questions about specific services, procedures, or protocols, call for an IEP right away. Remember to always ask for the meeting in writing and that the school has up to 30 days to hold the meeting. There does not need to be a specific reason behind asking for the meeting. Having an early IEP meeting to get the “new” team together and discuss the IEP is a great way to set your student up for success. It can help eliminate any misunderstandings and lets the group chat about any new information that may have arisen since the team last met. Do not hesitate to use the IEP process to advocate for your student, even if everything on the IEP team has remained the same.
Being proactive with questions or concerns about your student’s IEP is an excellent way to keep things running smoothly and hopefully create a well-informed team that works together. Clear, open, and constant communication is the best way to build the foundation for an effective IEP. Remember that the IEP document is a fluid, ever-changing entity that requires attention to detail.
As parents, we understand. As advocates, we can help.