My child qualified for an IEP: What does that mean?

What is an IEP: An Intro to the start of the process. How does it work: Everything You Need to Know (mostly)

After going through an extensive evaluation, the school district requests an IEP meeting to review the assessment results. During this assessment they determine that your child qualifies for an IEP.

What I an IEP? An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan…..the school district determined, that, your child qualifies for additional supports to help them better ACCESS their education due to the barriers of their diagnosis/es. ACCESS their education is a key phrase here. Are they able to learn the academic materials with appropriate accommodations as well as their neurotypical peers (same age/grade).

“An example of a behavior that may prevent access; if a child struggles to sit still due to a diagnosis, has an IEP, can’t sit through more than 5 math problems at a time. However, at home, they are able to do math game with their parents above their grade level. If it is deemed that symptoms of their diagnosis is the factor impacting their ability to perform at (or above) their peers levels, than a goal can be created on their IEP to address sitting and attending to math assignments.”-----*Please note this is only an example

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There are several factors that contribute to qualifying for an IEP, too many for one blog😊

Entering this meeting may be a little intimidating. Several different people from the school district come to evaluate, the evaluation took weeks and sometimes a few months. The school also may send you a copy of “your rights” and a draft copy of the “IEP document”.

5 Important Tips

1. Take the time to review your rights---if they don’t send this to you in advance, they will ask you if you want to review them at the beginning of the meeting (this should ALWAYS happen)

2. You have the right to audio record the meeting (giving the school 24 hrs. notice)

3. You have the right to bring an advocate or family members, therapists, that are an integral support to your child’s development.

4. You have the right to have this meeting take place during school hours

5. You do not have to sign anything until you are ready to sign ***(except for signing your attendance)

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There are many components to the IEP document, although too many to outline here 😊 contact us for individualized support with the IEP and the IEP process.

Where do I start?

The 2 main areas to start with and ensure you are reviewing are the:

Needs/Goals section and the Program/Services section

The Needs/Goals section outlines goals that will help your child either improve in their academics (in order to meet age/grade level), improve in their social skills, improve in their overall classroom behavior and group attention, and/or to improve in basic self-help skills that are needed to be independent at school (toileting, handwashing, eating).

The Program/Services section outlines what services (through the school district) your child qualifies for through the IEP.

WOW, this is a lot of information. As you continue reading our blog, we will break down all the components of the IEP step by step. If you would like immediate support and education/advocacy please contact us

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