IEP tips from moms

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The comments from my post last week were so fantastic, I must share them with everyone. Here is a compiled list of tips for IEP meetings:

• Walk in with confidence, knowing who your child really is
• Never go alone (even if the other person is quiet and take notes)
• Be positive
• Stay focused on the positive of your child
• Assume that everyone in the room is doing the best they can
• Remember the school generally is only looking the upcoming year.
• To get services you must talk deficits, this is hard because we know how wonderful our child is. Acknowledge this and take a box of Kleenex.
• When the school says that can't because it is against policy, politely ask them for a copy of the policy.
• Listen to that voice in your head.
• If you don't think you are being heard, give some complements, then ask for what you want.
• Be prepared, bring enough copies of any recent testing or paperwork from outside sources.
• Try to come to the meeting with ideas on how to work with all the people involved.
• Blog about it afterward

Astacia is a highly caffeinated mother of two. She is Seattle Special Needs Kids Examiner and a contributor in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Power Moms. She blogs at mamikaze.