Take Notes on the 

Individualized Education Program (IEP) 

...GETTING READY

Think about your goals for your child's long term future.

Make a list of what your child can and likes to do and needs to learn.

Make a list of the types of help your child needs.

Ask to look over your child's school records and evaluations and read them carefully.

If possible, talk with your child about the IEP process and what he or she wants from it.

Ask the school for a blank IEP form so you can get familiar with it.

Let the school know in advance if you will need a translator during the meeting.

Ask a friend, another parent, or an advocate to attend the meeting with you. (You may want to let the school know if you have invited someone.)

Ask whom the school is sending to the meeting.

Talk to other parents about their IEP experiences.

...TEAM PLAYERS

You (both parents if possible)

Your child, if appropriate

At least one Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teacher who provides or may provide services to your child

Your child's General Education Teacher

Someone who understands and can explain the evaluations that have been done for your child (this may be one of the people who is already on this list)

A person from the school system who can make sure that your child gets the services listed on the IEP

Other people invited by You or the school

PHPF recommends that you be courteous and notify the school in writing, prior to the IEP, of any persons you have invited i.e. outside therapist, professionals or advocates.

...HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?

Bring paper, a pen and any records or evaluations of your child.

At the meeting, the IEP team is counting on you to:

Share your vision for your child for this school year and for the years to come

Talk about what your child can do and areas your child needs help with

Talk about any services your child has received in the past

  Listen and ask questions to make sure you understand

  Have a positive attitude--even when you disagree

At the end of the meeting, review the proposed IEP.  If you wish, let the team know you would like to take the IEP home to think about it before signing.  If you think the IEP is not finished, ask for another meeting.  Once the IEP is complete, the school will give you a fee copy.  Keep it for your records.

...MAKE SURE THE IEP COVERS...

What your child knows and can do

What your child needs help with

How your child's disability affects his or her success in school

What your child should learn by the end of the year

The special education services, supports, accomodations or modifications, and assistive technology your child will receive during the year

Percentage of time your child will spend in general, exceptional, and vocational education

How your child's progress will be measured

If your child is age 14 or older, information about the type of diploma your child is working toward and your child's goal for life after high school

...WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE MEETING

After the first IEP has been written, you will be asked to give written consent for your child to receive ESE services.  If you give your consent, the school will begin implementing the IEP by providing specially designed instruction and services.  Check that all the plans are being carried out and that your child is making progress.  Continue to look over your child's schoolwork, keep in touch with your child's teachers, and visit your child's class.  (Call the school first.)  The IEP must be updated at least once every 12 months.  However, you may ask for an IEP meeting at any time if you believe it is important to consider changes in your child's IEP.

If you disagree with the IEP, the law provides a process for resolving differences.  You may schedule another meeting.  You may seek mediation, ask for a due process hearing, or file a formal complaint with the Florida Department of Education.

(Source:  Florida Department of Education)

POINT OF INTEREST:  Extended School Year (ESY) services are individualized instructional programs provided beyond the length of the regular school year for students with disabilities.  Since ESY services must be individualized to the unique goals of each eligible student, the IEP team must develop an ESY IEP -- a new document or an addendum to the current IEP.