ADVOCATE LIKE A MOTHER

Navigating the New School Year: Back to School and the IEP

BY MARIA GIANCOTTI, M.ED - STUDENT ADVOCACY MICHIGAN

Ah, the bittersweet symphony of the school year’s return—early mornings, packed lunches, and the perennial question of whether last year’s backpack survived summer vacation unscathed. But wait, there’s more! For parents of children on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), the back-to-school season often comes with an extra layer of complexity. Yes, it’s that time again— time to dust off the IEP, the document that holds the power to strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned parents. But fear not, for with a dash of humor and a dollop of proactive planning, we can tackle the new school year with confidence and ensure success for our exceptional kiddos.

As the new school year approaches, parents of children with special needs often find themselves embarking on a journey filled with both anticipation and apprehension. For those with children on IEPs, this journey can feel particularly complex. However, with careful planning and proactive communication, parents can set the stage for a successful school year for their child.

To help your school year start out right, we put together some helpful tips to ensure your IEP is ready for another school year.

Reflect on the Past Year: Before diving into the new school year, take some time to reflect on the previous year. What aspects of your child’s education went well? What challenges did they face? Were there any areas where the IEP fell short in meeting your child’s needs? Reflecting on these questions can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement.

Identify Areas for Improvement: Based on your reflections, pinpoint specific areas that may need attention or improvement. This could include academic struggles, social challenges, or behavioral concerns. Consider how these issues impacted on your child’s learning and overall well-being.

Review the IEP: Thoroughly review your child’s IEP to ensure it accurately reflects their current needs and goals. Pay close attention to any areas that may not be adequately addressed, such as additional academic support, behavioral interventions, or modifications to the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

Address Unmet Needs: If you identify gaps in your child’s IEP, don’t hesitate to advocate for necessary changes. Compile a list of concerns and areas for improvement and request a meeting with the school in writing. Waiting until the annual IEP date may not be feasible if your child requires immediate support or intervention.

Request a Meeting in Writing: Prepare a formal document outlining your concerns and requests for changes to the IEP. Clearly articulate your child’s needs and any specific accommodations or modifications youbelieve are necessary for their success. Request a meeting with the school’s IEP team to discuss these issues in detail. Be ready to send this email as soon as school starts.

Prepare for the Meeting: Prior to the meeting, gather any relevant documentation, such as progress reports, assessments, or behavior logs. Be prepared to articulate your child’s strengths, challenges, and specific areas where they require additional support. Bring along a copy of your parental concerns to discuss. Collaborate with the school to develop a plan that addresses your child’s individual needs and goals.

By following these steps, parents can proactively advocate for their child’s success and ensure that their IEP accurately reflects their unique needs. Effective communication and collaboration between parents and schools are essential in creating a supportive learning environment where every child can thrive. If you are not happy with your child’s IEP, be a part of the solution and bring ideas, suggestions and helpful information into the discussion. As the new school year begins, empower yourself to be a proactive advocate for your child’s education and well-being. If you need help with your child’s IEP or 504 plan, we have advocates ready to help! Contact Student Advocacy Michigan at 248-372-9770.