My child has an IEP, now what?

If your child has qualified for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) you have now entered the world of special education. The IEP will provide services for your child while your child is in school. The two most important things for the success of your child are his or her attendance and your awareness and follow through at home for what is happening at school. Look at the needs and goal sections of the IEP, do these align? Are any of the needs also concerns at home? If yes, the next step will be to talk with the school team about successful strategies to work on the skill(s) at home. What are they doing at school that you can replicate at home? Reach out if you need support! Every year you will meet with your child’s IEP team (classroom teacher, parent, special education service providers) at the ‘Annual Meeting.’ During this meeting, you will be updated on progress and needs at school, service times to support goals associated with those needs and where the services will be provided. Every three years you will have your ‘Triannual Meeting.’ Your child will be re-evaluated at this time to determine if he or she still qualifies for special education services. Just know that no matter what the outcome of any meeting is, you are your child’s best advocate and always have a voice at any time throughout the school year.