Preparing for your IEP Meeting

It is time to review your child's progress over the school year and determine whether his or her IEP is appropriate.

In doing so, I suggest that you consider the following:

• When was the last time your child was evaluated for special education and related services? Has it been within 3 years?
• If you disagreed with the results of the district's evaluation, did you note your disagreement and request an independent evaluation free of charge?
• Does your child have a disability that is impacting his or her educational performance?
• Does your child have social skills that enable him or her to learn from peers?
• Does your child have behaviors that prevent him or her from staying in the classroom?
• Is your child performing better on homework than on tests?
• Does your child need the assistance of an aide in the classroom? Speech and Language Therapy? Physical Therapy? Occupational Therapy? Extended School Day/Year program? Augmentative Communication device?
• Have the goals in your child's IEP remained the same as in prior IEPS or have they changed?
• If your child is 14 or older, does your child have a transition plan in his or her IEP?
• If your child has a developmental disability, have you registered him or her with the Division of Developmental Disabilities? If so, is she or he on the proper waitlists for services?
• If your child is going to college, does he or she have the skills necessary to be a self-advocate and explain the disability to the college personnel?

As parents, it is very important that you play an active role in developing your child's educational program. Review your child's records in advance of the meeting so you can be prepared. Lastly, if there is not enough time to address all of your concerns, feel free to schedule another meeting.

Freeman Law Offices, LLC is available to assist you in evaluating whether your child's educational needs are being met. Please call (609) 454-5609 for assistance.