Whether your child鈥檚 headed back to school or has a brand-new Individualized Education Program (IEP), you鈥檒l want to get them off to a good start. Here鈥檚 what you can do to kick off your child’s IEP and year the right way.
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Print out a copy.
Make sure you have (and have read) every page of your child’s IEP — from the attendance sheet to the notes section. .
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Attach an introduction letter.
It鈥檚 a great way to share unique things teachers should know about your child that aren鈥檛 included in the IEP. Use this as a guide.
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Confirm your child鈥檚 school schedule.
Teacher assignments can change over the summer or when a program changes. Know your child鈥檚 most up-to-date schedule and teacher names.
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Give a copy of the IEP and IEP introduction letter to all of your child’s teachers.
This can help make everyone aware of your child鈥檚 needs. It also .
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Ask to be kept informed.
You鈥檒l get scheduled progress updates, but let providers know as issues come up.
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Set up a check-in meeting.
Before calendars are booked, schedule a time a few weeks into the year to sit down with the IEP plan administrator and/or special education teacher.
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Go over the IEP with your child.
Make sure your child knows the accommodations they should have (and can ask for) and the services they鈥檒l be getting.
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Practice self-advocacy with your child.
Talk about ways your child can remind teachers about what鈥檚 in the IEP. You can鈥檛 be with your child, so they鈥檒l need to .
Read more: School discipline: The rights of students with IEPs and 504 plans
