My Top 5 IEP Survival Tips For The Mom Of A Child With Special Needs
IEP.
Three little letters that seem innocuous enough right?
Not if you are a parent of a child with special needs!
I don’t know about you but when I hear IEP it’s enough to induce palpitations worthy of an ER visit! So for those of you who have NO idea what I am writing about let me catch you up.
IEP stands for Individualized Education Program.
An IEP is a legal document created by a team of individuals which does include the parents or legal guardians of a child with a disability along with teachers and therapists.
Basically it is a road map of what your child’s education will look like for the school year.
It spells out what your child’s learning needs are, defines educational goals for your child, what services and supports will be provided for your child, and how their progress will be measured throughout the year. The team meets at least once a year.
It doesn’t sound so bad right? One would think. As a parent I put a massive amount of pressure on myself.
What if I disagree with what the other team members think?
What if I am expecting too much?
What if I am not expecting enough?
This is ONLY my kid’s future right?!
You get the idea. The “what ifs” can drive you bonkers!
These books have seen A LOT of use throughout the years! I recommend building your own personal library with books you can reference again and again.
We have been blessed with an awesome team for my son thus far so my IEP anxiety has dialed down a notch or two. It’s always there though.
IEP’s have caused me a massive amount of stress and anxiety and other parents of children with disabilities have told me they also feel this when it comes to the IEP.
I’m here to help ease some of that stress.
I am going to share with you the top 5 IEP survival tips Hubby and I have found to be super helpful and have aided us in creating an IEP “dream team” dedicated towards the success of our son in school!
Now remember Mama Bears, as with anything I write on this blog, think about and take what would work for your child with special needs and family. Don’t worry about the stuff that doesn’t.
We are all unique with different strengths, areas of need, values, and opinions. What works for one will not work for all.
Take what works for you and your family and go rock this special life!
IEP Survival Tip #1: Understand Special Education Law
No, you don’t need to apply to law school. Having a basic understanding of education law will do just fine. In preparation for our son’s very first IEP I bought these fabulous books written by Wrightslaw.
Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide
Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition
It was money well spent as I have referenced these books numerous times throughout the years.
Click on Wrightslaw to check out their website full of helpful information. They hold seminars throughout the country too. I have yet to attend a seminar but would LOVE to one of these days.
Understanding the law and your rights is powerful stuff and allows you to advocate for your child more effectively.
IEP Survival Tip #2: Have A Vision
Going into the meeting try to have a vision of what you would like your child’s school year to look like.
Do you envision your child in the regular classroom and being pulled out for therapies such as speech? Do you see an aide with your child throughout the school day? What goals would you like to see your child achieve?
By having a vision you are better able to lead the team to develop an IEP that reflects it.
5 Reasons You Need To Create A Vision Statement For Your Child With Special Needs
I also have an E-workbook
A New Mom’s Guide To Creating A Vision Statement And LIfe Map For Your Child With Special Needs
This gives step by step guidance as you create your child’s vision statement and life map
IEP Survival Tip #3: Pick And Choose Your Battles
Remember, the IEP is developed by a team. There is a very good chance not everyone is going to agree on the various aspects of the IEP.
Be prepared to compromise on certain things, but know what your sticking points are and be prepared to fight for them.
For example, Hubby and I knew we wanted Max included in the regular classroom with a full time aide. Initially the rest of the team thought he would be better served in a special education classroom. Hubby and I had agreed this was one of our “sticking points.” We advocated for this placement which included us citing special education law and how it discusses the least restrictive environment (LRE).
We also wanted him to receive speech therapy three times a week. The team thought two times a week would be fine. It wasn’t one of our sticking points. We let it go.
IEP Survival Tip #4: Make It Personal
Some members of the team may have very limited knowledge of your child. The special education director may be present and only have seen your child on paper. Let the team get to “know” your child by bringing and showing a video of them doing one of their favorite things or create a “Get To Know Me” sheet with pictures of your child along with some of their favorite things such as their favorite place, favorite food, favorite book or movie.
By making it personal the team will feel more connected to you and your child and you will likely have better outcomes.
IEP Survival Tip #5: Bring Food
Who doesn’t appreciate food at a meeting?
Now, you don’t need to provide a three course meal nor break the bank. I simply bring a platter of cookies and if I remember, some small bottles of water. Bringing food signals you appreciate their time and efforts on your child’s behalf.
There you have it Mama Bears! My top 5 IEP survival tips that have served me well and will hopefully serve you well too!
If you found this post helpful then consider checking out…
3 Steps To Creating Great IEP Goals For The Mom Of A Child With Special Needs
Least Restrictive Environment or LRE: A Guide For The Special Needs Mom
Dandelion Tribe Takeaway: IEPs can be stressful. Make them less stressful with my top 5 IEP survival tips. Tip 1: Understand special education law Tip 2: Have a vision Tip 3: Pick and choose your battles Tip 4: Make it personal Tip 5: Bring food.
Mama Bear Share: What are YOUR IEP survival tips? I would love to pick up a few new pointers!