Is your child’s IEP coming up? If so, it is time to prepare. Over the next few weeks my blog will focus on the parts of the IEP and how to critically review them to determine if your child is on the right path. Let’s start by getting organized. 

If your child has an IEP than you have lots of paper including evaluations, progress reports, notices and of course the IEP. The paper can overwhelm even the most organized parent. It is only recently that I have found a system that works for me, and my son is an adult! Let’s start with the most recent documents. These are:

1. The current IEP
2. The most recent evaluations (The district offers re-evaluation every three years so most recent evaluations may be a few years old.)
3. Progress reports or report cards from the current school year.
4. Any outside evaluations 

Since the pandemic most districts have sent these electronically. If you have paper copies get everything in a binder. If you are working with electronic copies create a folder on your computer and keep everything in one place. No need to panic if you can’t find everything. Reach out to your case manager and ask for them to email a copy to you. I like to encourage families to have electronic copies handy so that if you need to share documents with an advocate it is as easy as sending an email. 

            Create a contact list for all the people who are involved with your child. This should include phone and email contacts. Here is who to include:

1. Case Manager
2. General Education Teachers
3. Special Education Teachers
4. Therapists
5. Principal
6. Director of Special Education
7. Any outside professionals working with your child

Finally, always remember that when working with your school to advocate for your child, documentation is critical. More and more families are texting with their child’s teachers and therapists. I prefer email. If you have a conversation with anyone on your child’s team especially about progress, services, supports, or concerns, follow that conversation with an email stating what was discussed and what needs to be done. Create a folder in your email program and keep all those emails in that one folder. Hopefully, you have a great, collaborative working relationship with your team. Sometimes perceptions of a conversation can differ from one person to another. These emails are a great way to be sure everyone is on the same page. 

Getting organized is the first step on your advocacy journey. Look for my next post about reading your child’s evaluations.

Cathy