IEP: Incredibly Emotional Processs

Lately, I have been focusing a lot of my energy on researching what the law says about education as it pertains to a special needs child.  More specifically, as it pertains to my special needs child who is going to be entering kindergarten this fall.  For those out there who are new to the IEP (indvidualized education program) developing process, I want to pass on a little of what I have learned so far.  I still have miles to go, but I wanted to share what little information that I have already gleaned.


First of all, the law governing the education of students with special needs is the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).  You can Google it and find a copy online. This law states that all students with special needs are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).  Of course, this leaves a lot of room for interpretation, so as a parent, you must be vigilant when it comes to advocating for your child.

Always tape record everything.  If it is not recorded via a audio recorder, and it isn't documented on the official IEP, it is as if it was never said.  Lots of times, school officials will make comments during meetings such as, "That gets worked on anyway." or,  "It doesn't really need to be a part of the IEP."  That may be true, but if it has been recorded, they must follow through and implement what was said in the meeting.  I also have a hard time remembering everything that is said in a two to three hour meeting.  An audio recording helps me to recall who said what and when it was said.  Be sure to let all others who are at the meeting know that you are tape recording it, otherwise, the recording may be inadmissible if you ever end up going down the road of mediation or litigation.  
 
I have learned that walking away from the IEP meeting and not signing the IEP speaks volumes.  It means that you do not agree with the proposed plan.  It also means that your child's case will quickly be moved up the chain to someone who probably has enough power to help to resolve the issues.  Many parents that I have spoken with don't realize that this is even an option.  Personally, I think that it is the best way to get your voice heard by those in power.  If the issues are not resolved, there is always mediation or, worst case scenario, litigation.  I pray that we never end up going that route, but we are going into each meeting with our eyes open to the fact that it is always a possibility.

If you don't understand the law, there are resources out there that can help you navigate the system.  Most school systems have a Parent Resource Center that can help sort through some of the red tape (this is a free service offered to all parents of preschool through high school students).  You can also get ideas from parents who have been there by attending support groups or networking with them on social media.  A word of warning though, be sure to take everything you hear from other parents with a grain of salt.  Being a parent of a child with special needs can stir up some serious emotions.  Every decision the school system makes can be taken very personally.  Also, be sure not to react to hastily at the school meetings regarding your child.  The heat of the moment is not always the best time to give your final opinion.  Sometimes you have to take the time to step away, take a deep breath, and reflect back on the situation when you are thinking more rationally. 

I truly believe that the majority of people working in the school system care about every child that attends their school.  (My parents are both teachers for goodness sakes!)  But, I also know the reality of the situation is that they have very limited resources and must pick and choose how and where to allocate the small amount of funding that they receive.  I encourage all parents of children with special needs to do their own research.  No one else is going to do it for you.  Go into these meetings as prepared as possible.  You must advocate for your child.  Give them a voice in each meeting that is held regarding their education.  If you speak for them now, maybe, one day, they will eventually be able to speak for themselves.