Individualized Education Plan + Parent = Success!

PARENTS HAVE A ROLE IN THEIR CHILD’S INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PLAN (IEP)

The passage of the updated version of the IDEA, 2004, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, made parents of children with special needs even more crucial members of their child’s education team. Parents can work with educators to develop a plan, Individual Education Plan (IEP), to help students succeed in school. The IEP describes the goals the team sets for a child during the school year, as well as, any special support needed to help the child achieve their goals.

The referral process begins when a teacher, parent, or doctor is concerned that a child may be having trouble in the classroom. The first step is to gather specific data regarding the student’s progress or academic problems. This information helps the school personnel determine the next step. At this point, strategies specific to the student are recommended that could be used to help the child become more successful in the classroom.

As a parent, you can decide whether to have your child assessed. If you choose to do so, you will be asked to sign a permission form that will detail who is involved in the process and the type of assessments that will be used. These tests may include measures of specific school skills, such as: reading, math, and general developmental skills, such as: speech and language. Parents can work together with the school personnel to come up with a plan that best meets the child’s instructional needs.

As a parent, you have legal rights in regard to your child’s individualized educational plan. There is a specific timeline in place to ensure that the development of an IEP moves from referral to providing services as quickly as possible. You will want to be sure to ask about the timeframe and get a copy of your “parent’s rights” when your child is referred. These guidelines or procedural safeguards outline your rights as a parent to control what happens to your child during each step of the process.

The IEP process is complex, but it’s also an effective way to address how your child learns and functions in school. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the evaluation findings or the goals recommended by the team. You know your child best and should play a central role in creating a learning plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.