IEP is Key to Giving Children the Best Education
The pencils are sharpened, and the backpacks are packed. As your child begins the new school year, it’s important to remember that you, as a parent or guardian, have the power to make sure your child is receiving the best education possible.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an essential tool for sharing your vision for your child’s future and considering how their disability affects their education. This document is developed for each public school child who is eligible for special education and is meant to ensure students are supported and given a chance to participate in school culture and academics.
Gillette Children’s psychologist Erin Tentis-Berglund helps families get the psychological or cognitive testing a child might need to qualify for an IEP. “Our test results are part of the evaluation process,” Tentis-Berglund says.
Once your child has been evaluated and found to be eligible for special education, the IEP outlines the services your school district will provide your child at no cost to you.
“All families are different,” Tentis-Bergland adds, “but often it’s a good idea to make your child aware of the IEP from the ‘get-go.’ This can take away any shame, embarrassment, or negative feelings a child might have about their IEP. Parents and education professionals can help reassure a child that everyone has different strengths and areas to improve.”
During the IEP process, you, as a parent or guardian, work with a team that includes a school district representative who is qualified and knows about the resources for the school district, at least one of your child’s special education teachers, at least one of your child’s regular teachers, and a person who is qualified to interpret evaluation results.
The IEP process can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are online resources and places for support, such as the PACER Center. Minneapolis-based PACER is an information, training, and advocacy center for families in Minnesota with children and young adults with disabilities.
Jody Manning, PACER’s Parent Training and Information Center Director, says,
“Parents are equal members of the IEP team. Given that, parents should prepare for the meeting.”
Follow these important IEP tips:
- Learn your rights and responsibilities
- Talk with your child and get their input about what is and is not working
- Review your child’s academic records for progress measurements. (For example, recent report cards and district and state-wide testing.)
- Review the goals and objectives in your child’s current IEP
In addition, PACER has a Parent Homework Sheet available on its website that can help parents determine if the IEP will meet their child’s needs.
“The Parent Homework Sheet exercise gives parents the tools to decide and the data to show where there are gaps,” Manning says. “Once parents have completed the exercise, they’ll have specific information to help them make the best decisions for their child’s education. “
She cautions the exercise is not easy or quick, but PACER has regularly scheduled sessions throughout Minnesota to support parents with this exercise. Parents and guardians living outside Minnesota can contact PACER directly for assistance.
Manning and Tentis-Bergland agree that the IEP meeting must focus on the child’s needs. Remember, as a parent, you know your child the best and can be their strongest advocate.
IEP Process & Resources for Families:
www.gillettechildrens.org/conditions-care/school-services
www.pacer.org
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