Comments on: This Just In: IEP Edition

By: Cyndi

Cyndi — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:09:03 +0000

My child has an para-professional who does most of the hands on work with my daughter. I always request that she be at the meeting too.

By: Meg Beverly

Meg Beverly — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:40:10 +0000

Thank you so much for all these links and information! We’re transitioning from IFSP to IEP and there is so much more involved.

At our school, some of the other parents and I started a support group and we all help each other get ready for IEPs, a great way to get tips, compare notes, and learn details specific to our school/teachers!

By: Deborah

Deborah — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:14:36 +0000

My school district often views taping the meeting as an adversarial step. What I do instead is bring a notetaker with me to the meeting. Then, after the meeting, I send a letter with a summary of everything that was discussed, agreed upon, not agreed upon, etc. The school district is free to respond to that letter, although I have never gotten a response.

An added bonus – the letter, like a taped recording, becomes a part of the permanent education record. As one of the few parents in my state that has won a due process, those letters were a huge part of the reason for winning.

By: Karen Putz / DeafMom

Karen Putz / DeafMom — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:08:19 +0000

Another important tip is to always follow up with the school to make sure that the IEP is being implemented. Go and observe your child if possible. Volunteer at the school and get to know the other parents– other parents can also be a great resource to knowing what goes on in the school.

By: Trish

Trish — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:48:25 +0000

Yes, all are wonderful ideas – thanks!

By: Stacey

Stacey — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:25:37 +0000

I was also going to add– that by bringing some type of treat– chocolate — the meeting gets started on a happy note!
I have also heard of parents bringing in a current picture and just having it out on the table– it seems to help everyone stay focused!

By: Maddy

Maddy — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:42:33 +0000

May I add something please? It is worth considering taping the entire IEP meeting but you will need to ask/ inform all the parties in advance.

This need not be an adversarial step, it’s more that many meeting can be in excess of three hours [in my personal experience] which is an awful lot to remember and keep straight. Of course if you can do shorthand you’re in luck but often it’s hard to take accurate notes and participate fully.
Best wishes