Simple Resolutions for NEW IEP Parents

It's a new year, a great starting point.  I know you can improve yourself at any point but I always like a clear beginning...1st of the month, Mondays, New Years Day...all my preferred start dates.

Here are a couple things you can do to become a more involved and knowledgable member of the IEP team:

1) Communication - in the beginning it might be easy to email the teacher every Sunday night, an email they can get sometime on Monday.  Set an alarm on your phone.  Any information you share is great.  

"We went to the zoo over the weekend, ___ loved watching the elephants" - The teacher may have a great elephant book she can share and it may help give her questions to prompt discussion.

"_____ hasn't been sleeping well.  We are working on it, but just wanted to let you know." - "Oh so that's why _____ hasn't been able to complete work as well as last month" or the teacher could keep an eye out for signs they need rest.  Lots of time sleep issues lead to behavior changes and in school the teacher may be wracking her brain as to what changed.


2) Read the IEP carefully - make a list of any thing that isn't clear (including abbreviations and jargon you are unfamiliar with), anything that no longer seems relevant, any questions you come up with and anything you feel is missing.  Email the team your list and hopefully become more knowledgable about your child's IEP.  

    SAMPLE LETTER:
        IEP Team:
            Thank you so much for ____ (something specific and honest).  I hope you had a wonderful, much needed break.  I'm trying to better understand ___'s IEP and as I was reading through it several questions came up.  I'd love some clarification so that I can be a better member of the IEP team.  

List your questions:

Thank you again, take your time if it's easier, I'm available by phone or zoom.
Parent
Contact Info


Start with those two things, I think you will begin to feel more confident and knowledgable.





 

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