The IEP process is not the easiest to understand. If you are a special educator who works with IEPs all day long it is a bit easier to know where in the process things occur. But for families, there are many small steps that they may be unfamiliar with that can cause misunderstandings. As the teacher or coordinator, it is your job to help families understand what is happening and when.
One of those incidences is when the IEP draft is sent home for review. While you understand that it is just a draft copy and can still be changed, parents may think it is the final version and they have no say in what is included.
To help prevent that misunderstanding, there are some tricks to helping parents understand the difference between a finalized IEP and a proposed draft IEP.
Is It a Draft of the IEP or the Final Copy?
Long before the proposed IEP draft is delivered to a child’s family, they should be made aware that they are part of the IEP team. Experienced families may already know this, but for those who are dealing with their first IEP, it can seem overwhelming.
Reassure them from the start that they are important, they are valued, and that their input is truly needed. This helps set the foundation of teamwork and, even if they misunderstand what is sent home, they will at least feel comfortable asking questions.
Below are some easy ways to help keep the parents in the know and make sure they understand what is happening and why when it comes to their child’s IEP:
1 – Sticky Note It!
A simple sticky note on the IEP draft can make a huge difference. It can clearly state “DRAFT” or include a personal note if you choose. Make sure to send it home in an envelope though so the note doesn’t end up at the bottom of the child’s backpack.
- Our free Proposed Draft IEP sticker can be found here. Print and go! Learn more in this video.
2 – Pre-Printed Draft Labeling
Some schools use programs that automatically label the IEP draft as a draft. It’s printed in light grey across every page of the document so that there is no mistaking that it is not the final copy.
3 – Give Families a Heads Up
Before you begin writing the draft IEP, you’ll have already sent home a parent input form to gather information and data from the family. But a quick phone call home to let the family know that the draft IEP is on its way is very help and collaborative.
Don’t forget to let parents know that a draft IEP is only a proposal of IEP goals and objectives, and that it is open to revision; it is in no way the final version of their child’s IEP.
4 – Ask for Input Prior to Doing the Draft
One way to make sure parental input is included in the IEP is to send home a survey asking for their observations and concerns prior to creating the draft. Explain that after you receive their feedback, you will be writing the draft IEP that they’ll have a chance to review before the meeting. This gives families a better understanding of the IEP process.
- You can find parent, student, and teacher questionnaires inside of the IEP Toolkit here.
5 – Highlight That It’s the Draft Being Discussed
If parents have come to the IEP meeting thinking that the final version is what they received, be sure to mention frequently throughout the discussions that it is the draft that is being discussed. This helps it become clearer that the final draft has not been completed and the working copy is what is being discussed to add to or alter.
- Learn more about sending home draft IEPs in this video.
Once parents understand the IEP process and trust the team, it becomes easier to create a very viable draft of the IEP before the meeting takes place. Emphasizing the importance of the parents’ role on the IEP team and how valuable their input is, is key.
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