5 Tips for Parents When Advocating at IEP Meetings
As a a parent of a child with a disability, Jeana has had the opportunity to sit on both sides of the table at IEP meetings. She's listened to teams of professionals share their input on what is "best" for her child, minimizing her concerns or suggestions, and making her child fit into their programming, rather than thinking "outside of the box" and offering an individualized approach to his needs. She knows the frustration, desperation and concern that a parent feels as they are unsure of which path is the best to take in order to help their child succeed.
As a special education teacher for the past 9 years, Jeana has learned how to navigate a very complex system in order to provide appropriate services and supports for students with different abilities. She's taught a wide array of special education classes in the private and public sector of education. She's worked with students ranging in grades from middle school thru adult developmental day programs. Her experience has been with learning disabilities (SLD), emotional and behavioral disturbances (ED), severe/profound cognitive impairments, Autism and ADHD (OHI) in the self-contained and inclusion settings. Having written more than 150 IEPs and worked with numerous administrators and teachers to develop appropriate individualized educational plans that are student-focused, her experience from an "insider's path" has provided her with the necessary tools to properly advocate on behalf of families. On this journey, Jeana's passion is to support families by sharing her knowledge and expertise in order to best serve their child. Here's her 5 tips for parents when advocating at IEP Meetings.
Do Your Homework--Research and read current topics related to your child’s disability. By doing your homework it can help you to become very familiar with the specific challenges your child may face as well as provide effective research-based strategies that support their needs. Bring a list of the questions you have and important topics you want to address at the meeting.
Stay Organized--- Keep all copies of your child’s report cards, IEPs, reports, homework samples, etc. These documents will give you more insight into your child’s learning and the progress he or she is making. Bring these documents with you to the IEP meeting to reference when addressing progress and areas for growth. (Get a Free IEP Essentials Binder printable from Limitless Ability, to keep you organized - Here!)
Ask Questions---Parents, if you don’t understand the goals, accommodations, verbiage or any other topics that are presented at the IEP meeting….ASK QUESTIONS! It is the obligation of the team to explain the IEP process in depth prior to the entire team (including you) to agree on moving forward with proposed services. You are an equal, decision-making member of the team.
Stay Calm and Maintain Composure-- The team members at the IEP meeting are there to help, even if you disagree with what is being presented. If at any point you begin to feel frustrated, take a break. Return to the table once you are calm. You need to work together with the team for the best interest of your child, besides you get more bees with honey than vinegar!
Be Kind and Have Faith- You do not have to agree with each member of the team however you should show respect and be kind. Educators enter the field to help others, so remember that the team wants to make a difference for your child. Give them credit that they are acting in good faith. If you disagree, try to work it out without damaging the working relationship.
About the Author: Jeana Johnson is an Special Education Advocate and Consultant in Illinois. With more than 9 year of educational experience, she works in partnership with parents to secure appropriate services and supports through the creation of an IEP or 504 plan for students of different abilities. In addition, Jeana does consultant work with businesses/organizations to provide trainings for employees in the area of disability awareness in the workplace. You can contact Jeana through email: adifferentlyabled@gmail.com or Call 708-205-0150 for a complimentary 30 minute consultation to discuss your child's educational plan. Website: www.adifferentlyabled.com
