IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings can be tough; here are 5 IEP mistakes to avoid:
- Going in unprepared. The District part of the IEP team has put great thought into what they are going to say during the IEP meeting. They have also given thought on what their offer of FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) is going to be. At a minimum, find out what progress your child has made since the last IEP. This gives an idea of what went well, and where the team needs to focus additional time and attention. Write down important points you want the team to discuss.
This next item on our 5 IEP mistakes to avoid coincides with our first item, but it’s important enough that it needs to have its own place:
- Receiving assessments at the IEP. Get them far enough ahead that you have time to read them and prepare a list of questions about what the results mean for your child with special needs and their education.
- Forgetting that your relationship with the district is strictly a business relationship. Yes, your child is involved. As parents, that is always on our minds. Keep conversations and emails on a business level. We love sarcasm and calling people out as much as anyone else. Write that snarky email, then delete it. Next write the email like you are sending it to your boss or co-worker.
Here are two of the most vital of the 5 IEP mistakes to avoid:
- Losing your cool. Often we do not feel heard and sometimes districts say things that seem designed to upset us to throw us off balance. There are times we are not fond of certain team members, despite their continued presence at IEP meetings. Remember to stay calm and professional as much as possible.
- Skipping or skimming over the meeting notes. During every IEP team meeting, a school district representative writes down all key items discussed onto an IEP page. These IEP pages list who was at the meeting and all items discussed. It does not duplicate what is written in other parts of the IEP, but provides details about discussions and lists agreements that do not have another specific place in the IEP. Make sure to get a copy of the meeting notes or make your own notes! No one is more invested in your child’s education than you!
These 5 IEP mistakes to avoid are a great place to start. Go a step further by hiring a reliable, skilled advocate from Aspire Advocacy.
For help at your child’s next IEP meeting, more information about special education advocacy services, or for a FREE 20-minute consultation, call or fill out our contact form.
As parents, we understand, As experienced and trained advocates, we can help.
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