Parent Friendly Guide to an IEP Meeting

An IEP meeting has been called on behalf of your child: now what? The process can quickly become overwhelming and daunting for parents. Especially if it is your first time navigating the process. So it’s important that you know what to expect. Also to keep in mind your rights as a parent throughout the process.

 Individualized Education Program

An IEP is an Individualized Education Program, which is a document that is specific to your child. Because of this, each child’s IEP process may be different. However, there are certain components of the process that are mandated to occur, according to Illinois state law. The first to take place is a Domain Meeting, which must occur before any assessment or evaluation can begin. During this time, you and appropriate members of the team discuss which domains of learning are appropriate to assess.

This meeting is also a time in which you will sign paperwork to indicate your consent for testing. You should be provided with a document outlining your rights as a parent at this time, as well. Your child’s team will be given sixty school days to complete evaluations for all agreed-upon domain areas. (Keep in mind: sixty school days can turn into 3-4 months, due to school holidays and breaks.)

Depending on what was discussed within the Domain Meeting, your child’s team will include some or all of the following people. Classroom Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Nurse, Specialists (Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and/or Speech/Language Pathologist). Also included, Social Worker and/or School Counselor, and School Psychologist(s).

Sometimes a member of the school’s administration will also be a part of the team, per protocol. One case manager will be assigned to your child’s team, who is the main point of contact. This individual is typically a person who has good insight regarding your child’s current strengths and needs and someone who will frequently be supporting your child and the staff that is a part of his or her team.

Eligibility Determination

Once all evaluative assessments have been compiled, you should be contacted by your child’s case manager to schedule the Eligibility Determination meeting.  All professionals who are a part of your child’s team will come together to share the evaluative information. Along with any observations they have collected during the evaluation period, as well as recommendations for services.

You will probably be thinking, “How could they possibly know everything there is to know about my four year old?” But, the reality is, this is a snapshot of your child that the team members have captured. It is not a comprehensive or defining representation. Each specialist and professional will share his or her collective findings, but it is important to remember that you are the expert on your child. Ask questions if you don’t understand what a team member is saying or recommending.

Keep in mind, you are always allowed to have people attend the meeting on your behalf. Feel free to include outside professionals who are current members of your child’s team, when possible. If you are having a difficult time communicating with the school district reach out. Would prefer assistance digesting information, school districts sometimes have a parent available who can also attend the meeting.

If English is not your first language, the school is obligated to provide a translator/interpreter on the day of the meeting.  Whatever your individual situation may be, do not leave the meeting until all of your questions are answered. Please make sure you feel comfortable with the decisions that have been made on behalf of your child.

Wrapping Up The Meeting

Before leaving the meeting, you will be presented with paperwork. Make sure to sign your agreement regarding your child’s eligibility for special education services. Along with consent for the initiation of services. Additional documents will outline the environment in which your child’s services will occur. The specific goals that will be targeted by each provider. The “minutes”, or amount of time that your child will spend within general education and special education each week. You should be provided with a copy of all paperwork reviewed and signed within the meeting, either by digital or hard-copy.

After services are initiated, set up a preferred communication system with the members assigned to your child’s team. You will be provided with progress updates specific to your child’s growth towards achieving his or her IEP goals. (IEP progress updates vary from school to school, so check with your district to see if they are reported monthly, quarterly, or by trimester).

Each year, the team will come together to complete an Annual Review, in which no evaluation is completed. However, goals along with accommodations, and minutes are updated as necessary. Every three years, there is a Three Year Re-Evaluation, in which the team meets to re-assess each necessary domain. They will also determine if your child remains eligible for special education services.

Conclusion

It is important for you to know and understand that the IEP is a working document and that you are just as influential of a team member as any educational representative. At any time throughout the IEP process, you have the right to call a meeting to change goals. You can also recommend accommodations and modify minutes whenever you deem fit.

Always remember that the IEP can be altered and changed to meet your child’s unique educational needs. For more detailed information and specific questions, contact your local school district. Also, ask to speak either to a member of the administration or to the Director of Special Education.