If you are getting ready to go to your first IEP meeting, you probably have a few questions about what will be covered or what you should know before going in to the meeting.
The following video is designed for parents who are going to be attending their child's first IEP meeting. It provides suggestions, tips, and information from a special education teacher, as well as a parent with a child with special needs.
A few tips I have picked up along the way:
- Make sure all parties are in attendance. I have had our school district representative not attend several meetings, and this puts all of us at a loss when it comes to making the necessary preparations for our child.
- Write down any questions you might have.
- Know your rights
- Never feel bad for having to stand up for your child's rights.
Loading ...
This is a great article to help parents through a stressful situation. I taught Special Education for 10 years. One thing I'd like to mention is to think of the IEP as a team meeting, with all working for the best for your child. It shouldn't be an "us vs. them" situation.
I totally agree that you need to advocate for your child. YOU are the expert on your child.
Lastly, share what you would like your child to learn. At one IEP meeting the major goal was for the child to sign his name. Important for the future, right? What the parents really wanted was for him to be able to sign "I love you." Don't be afraid to share.
Anissa, parents like you who are involved and care so much always made my day.
Thanks, Miss Mouthy! I appreciate good teachers and representatives that understand that I just want what is best for my child. I also, am grateful for those who were willing to help me along the process so that I wasn't bull dozed, or left out because I was naive to how the system works.
Good teachers and representatives like you are the people parents cherish!