Is there such a thing as an easy IEP? This is a great question and there are multiple answers.
An easy IEP is when the school district writes the IEP with very little parent involvement, gives it to the parent at an IEP Team Meeting, and the parent signs it. Is it a strong IEP that gets their child the required supports and services? It is possible, but unlikely.
Our preferred version of an easy IEP is planning for the IEP.
The planning stage of an IEP starts when parents and the school work collaboratively to develop the IEP. This starts with preparation well before the IEP team meeting takes place. If there is a requirement for a new assessment for eligibility or a triennial re-evaluation, the planning process starts when the parent receives the form requesting parental permission to test the student in all suspected areas of disability. Read the form carefully before signing to ensure that ALL suspected areas of disability are checked, not just some of them.
Next step is for parents to ask, via email, for all documents the district intends to present at the IEP team meeting—at least a week before the meeting.
This allows parents the time to read the documents, possibly find errors, and participate more effectively in the IEP team meeting. We have seen parents receive 40 to 70 pages of documents and reports at the start of the IEP team meeting and then the parents are asked to discuss the documents. This is next to impossible when there are 7 to 12 people at the table looking at them. In addition to the sheer length of the IEP document, many of the specialized reports use scoring methods that require translation out of their technical jargon.
Another part of having an easy IEP is to work with the teacher in advance to develop specific and measurable goals and baselines. Yes, this can be done before the IEP team meeting. We do not recommend—as a part of an easy IEP—to sign at the end of the IEP team meeting. Parents do not yet have the final document nor the meeting notes. There are cases we have seen where the document has significant things either incorrect or completely missing. It is much easier to get these fixed before the parent has signed it than after. It is very important that you receive all documents and read and understand them before signing that you agree to have this be your child’s educational plan.
Ultimately, there is no such thing as an easy IEP if—as a parent—you would like to maximize your child’s education with the supports and services they are entitled to by law.
If you are new to the IEP process or having IEP trouble with your school district, contact an advocate immediately. If you are new to the world of IEPs, 504s, or other educational plans: contact an advocate. Leigh and Susie are experienced advocates who can help you achieve your goal of a free, appropriate, public education for your child with special needs.
Call now for a free 20-minute consultation to discuss your child and to figure out if we are a good fit!
(408)893-6933