After the goals and objectives are decided upon, the next discussion at the IEP meeting is usually one of placement (where the child will receive his/her education and services). Remember the two basic tenets of IDEA are Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). This is where LRE comes into play. During the meeting, the team will discuss placement options that are along a continuum that looks something like this:

1. general education classes 2. general education classes with supports... more

The IEP document will be generated during the meeting. This document is important, not only because it is a legally binding document, but because what is written there becomes the basis for the type of educational services and support your child receives. The IEP will be used to introduce teachers to your child’s special needs, explain the methods and accommodations needed, and outline the goals your child is to be working toward. Formats vary from state to state, even district to district. But it will contain the following sections in some fashion:

Present... more

There are few things more nerve-wracking than going to your child’s IEP meeting. I’ve even talked with parents who are special education teachers and they, too, express anxiety at the thought of attending their own child’s IEP meeting. They feel intimidated, overwhelmed, nervous and emotional…and they already know the procedures!

Why is this? Mostly because as parents we understand the gravity of the outcome of the meeting. We understand that much is at stake…the appropriate education of our child. And even if you’re not in a situation that is adversarial or problematic, you can likely sense that the school system seems to hold a lot of the power in this meeting. I... more

So what happens at an IEP meeting? The meeting should follow a definite agenda. Sometimes the person heading the meeting ( the teacher or special education representative) will have a written agenda to distribute. If possible, get this person to share the agenda prior to the meeting.

Note: Parents often report that they show up at the meeting and receive an already drafted IEP awaiting their approval. While having the educators show up with an outline ready isn’t a bad idea, the IEP meeting is not about rubberstamping an already-discussed IEP. Even if the other team members have declared that they’ve “already met” about this IEP, all discussions and decisions need to occur again.... more

Special needs children are often known to do what schools and others call “elope”, i.e. run away from school. Well, on March 29, a 14-year-old middle schooler in Baltimore “eloped” from his middle school and wasn’t found for ten days…til 3 am on Easter Sunday.

Neither of his parents were notified that he had run away from school until the father showed to pick him up later that day after school was out.

The boy, who has been diagnosed with emotional... more

So, who’s on this IEP Team? IDEA says that the team shall consist of:

• The parents of the child with a disability (good idea for both parents to be there if at all possible.) • Not less than one regular education teacher of this child (if the child is participating in the regular education environment) • Not less than one special education teacher • A representative of the LEA who is qualified to provide or supervise the provision of special education services – the person who can commit special education resources.... more

Once the evaluations have been conducted, parents are sometimes invited to a meeting to review the evaluation data with the school psychologist and/or others prior to convening the IEP Team. But sometimes the review of the evaluation data occurs directly in the IEP meeting (some level of review of the evaluations should occur in the IEP meeting).

Regardless of who reviews the evaluation data with you, ask questions. Make sure you understand the findings. Evaluations and their results are complex. Don’t just look at... more

Everyone whose child is receiving or being considered for special education services will early in their journey become acquainted with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Over the next few blogs we’ll look at what an IEP is, the components, the purpose, the obstacles and what parents can do to ensure a positive outcome and an appropriate IEP for their child.

First, let’s look at what happens before an IEP is developed.

The Evaluation

1. A child is identified as having a disability that may... more

Prior Written Notice. If a school proposes to change or refuses to change a child’s identification, evaluation, educational placement or matters related to providing FAPE, the school is required to give the parent Prior Written Notice (PWN) that describes the action proposed or refused, explains why, describes the process used to deny, provides sources the parent can obtain the denied service from, describes other options and reasons why, and describes factors relevant to the refusal.

There were two major changes in eligibility:... more

You may or may not know this…your state’s Early Intervention Program falls under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). In Georgia, for example, the program is administered through the Department of Human Resources, not through the Department of Education. It is called Babies Can't Wait. It is not uncommon for the Department of Public Health to administer the program, even though the state’s Department of Education is responsible for serving as a liaison with the Feds.

Children... more