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How IEPs are supposed to work

There are times a parent can attend an IEP and get their child what they need. We have attended IEPs where the team looks closely at what the student needs, and forms a plan based on those needs. This is how IEPs are designed to work. These IEPs are a lot of fun. Being able to harness the power of a team full of professionals working together to support a child is a win for everyone involved and especially for the student.

Leigh and Susie attend a few of these. They are the exception.

What we often see

Often the school has already decided what testing they will do on the student. They may also have pre-determined your child’s placement, qualifying criteria, goals, and the services they will offer. When parents ask for additional testing, services, goals, often their requests are met with denials. The “No’ may sound reasonable. Even when it does not, it can be difficult to argue with a room full of people. These are professionals. There are a lot of them, and they will be working with your disabled child. It is intimidating. It can be hard to answer the school’s objections to doing what your child needs, and even harder to feel heard.

Now what?

If you do not feel heard, or have hit a brick wall, consider hiring an advocate. Working with us quietly puts your child’s school on notice that you are looking for a fuller range of alternatives than they have offered. Also, it lets the school know that you know your rights, and are willing to act.

Some districts soften their approach as soon as they know we are on the way. Others can take a bit more persuading. Families often find that having someone in their corner who knows the right questions and can answer the District’s objections can move things a long way.

As parents, we understand,  As experienced and trained advocates, we can help.

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