Scheduling an IEP can seem like an endless back and forth due to the sheer number of IEP team members involved. But just because someone is a member of the team does not necessarily mean they are required to be at every meeting. What is the difference between essential IEP team members and those who can be excused from an IEP?
There are a minimum of four essential IEP team members: your child’s special education case manager, a general education teacher who teaches your child, an administrative designee such as a principal or other school administrator, a provider (or providers) of relevant special education services, and YOU! As your child’s parent and primary advocate, you are one of the absolutely essential IEP team members.
However, if your child receives many special education services, the IEP team can quickly grow and present a plethora of scheduling issues. Each person at the IEP should be an expert on either your child or their specific discipline as it relates to the services they provide for your child. If your child is in a Special Day or Self-Contained Class, the general education teacher invited to the meeting should know your child. If your child is in a County Program, or NonPublic School, the team may ask to dismiss a general education teacher as your child does not get any instruction from a general education professional. This is something a family would typically agree to unless there is an ongoing discussion of transitioning a child back to an integrated program.
In California, and many other states, a parent or guardian can sign a form excusing one or more IEP team members from a meeting.
If you have a scheduled IEP that only covers your child’s speech services, it is likely your child’s occupational therapist’s (OT) presence is not required at that time. This does not mean your child’s other service providers do not have valuable information, but if the process of getting all your child’s IEP team members together delays the IEP: remember that services delayed are services denied. Sometimes, excusing others not pertaining to the exact reason for the IEP team meeting may cause the meeting to happen sooner.
If you have questions about which of your IEP team members should be present at a meeting, or would like a professionally trained advocate to represent you at your next IEP, contact Aspire Advocacy today!
For help at your child’s next IEP meeting, more information about our special education advocacy services, or for a FREE 20-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for you, call or email today!
As parents, we understand. As advocates, we can help.