Year End Special Ed Advocate

So much is going on at the end of the school year. Testing, class parties, field trips…..and lots and lots of IEP meetings. It is hard to get all the details taken care of so rather than worry about all of them, prioritize what needs to be addressed.

While it is important to get ready for the next school year and have as much settled as possible, sometimes it is simply not possible to deal with every last detail. Most schools will not commit to putting a student in a particular teacher’s class nor will they “guarantee” who a student’s aide will be. Both of these technicalities are often of huge significance to families. But one thing that can be done to have it written into the IEP that your student can meet any new staff (teachers, service providers, aides) several days before school starts. This can help diminish anxiety and start the rapport building process.

Another aspect that can seem daunting is when goals have not be agreed to and/or all details of the IEP have not been settled. Again, it is important to get these details handled as much as possible before the school year ends. But if that does not happen, make sure that you request an IEP before school lets out. The school has 30 days to hold a meeting after you request one, so the time will start ticking before school ends and then start up again when it begins in the fall. Have an agenda ready of the necessary topics so that the meeting can address your concerns. And remember, that you can call a meeting at any time and as often as is needed.

Use the summer break to read through your student’s IEP. Make notes of changes that need to be made. Summer is the perfect time to do this. It is often much less busy. Parents find they are emotionally less charged regarding special education. Summer is also a great time to read “From Emotions to Advocacy” by Pam and Pete Wright. This book is extremely helpful for understanding the entire IEP process. It helps anyone become a more effective advocate for their student.

.Use the summer to recharge and relax and enjoy. And do not worry about not having everything worked out. Remember to request an IEP meeting so that when school starts up again your request is already in the queue.

As parents, we understand, As advocates, we can help.

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