20 Questions to Ask at a Special Education Re-Evaluation Meeting
When your child is due for a special education re-evaluation, you may feel unsure about what to ask or how to prepare. Re-evaluations can bring up a lot of information, from test scores to eligibility decisions to possible changes in services. Asking questions during the meeting helps make sure the team is making decisions based […]
What to Expect During a Special Education Re-Evaluation
Re-evaluations are a normal part of the special education process. Just like students grow and change over time, their needs in the classroom can change too. A re-evaluation helps the IEP team make sure that the services, supports, and goals in place are still the right fit for the student. Whether you’re a new teacher, […]
Interpreter vs Translator in Special Ed: Whatโs the Difference and Why It Matters in IEP Meetings
Learn the difference between interpreters and translators in special education, including their roles in IEP meetings and how they support families.
20 Questions Parents Should Ask at an Initial Special Education Evaluation Meeting
When your child is being evaluated for special education services, itโs normal to feel unsure about what to ask or how to participate in the process. Whether itโs your first time navigating an evaluation or youโve been through this before, asking the right questions helps you better understand how decisions are made, and how to […]
Understanding the Initial Special Education Evaluation Process
When a child is struggling in school and not making progress, parents and teachers may begin to wonder if a disability could be impacting learning. Thatโs when an initial special education evaluation might be requested. This initial evaluation helps determine if the child qualifies for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, […]
Types of Special Education Assessments Explained
When a student goes through a re-evaluation for special education, which happens a minimum of every 3 years per the IDEA, itโs easy to feel overwhelmed by all the testing tools and terminology. From screeners to diagnostic assessments, observations to rating scales, there are many ways the team gathers data to understand how a student […]
Parent Rights Under IDEA Every Educator Should Know
Understanding parent rights under IDEA doesnโt have to feel overwhelming. When educators can explain them clearly, IEP meetings become more collaborative, transparent, and trusting.
7 Tips for Working with Bilingual Families in Special Education
Support bilingual parents in special education with these 7 tips to improve communication, build trust, and foster meaningful collaboration.
The Difference Between Parent-Teacher Conferences and IEP Meetings
Overwhelmed by the special ed process and meetings? Learn the difference between parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings here!
What is a Stay Put IEP?
Not sure what a “stay put” IEP is? Here’s everything you need to know!
Simple Home Activities to Support Executive Functioning in Special Education
Executive functioning is a set of mental skills that help students manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions so they can get things done. These skills are important because they help children plan ahead, stay organized, follow directions, and manage time. For students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or other learning needs, executive functioning challenges can […]
Why Teacher Self Regulation Is the Key to Student Behavior Support
Co-regulation is one of the most powerful tools we have in special education, yet it is rarely written into plans or talked about during IEP meetings. Teachers often focus on teaching students how to self regulate their emotions and behaviors. What we forget is that self regulation does not happen first. It grows out of […]
The Different Types of IEP Meetings Explained
If you’re a special education teacher or the parent of a student with an IEP, you already know that IEP meetings are more than just paperwork and checklistsโthey’re conversations that shape a child’s education. Whether sitting at the school conference table, logging into Zoom, or hopping on a quick phone call, these meetings are where […]
10 Questions IEP Team Members Wish They Had Answered Before the IEP Meeting
Walking into an IEP meeting without the right information feels a lot like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Parents feel overwhelmed, teachers feel rushed, and everyone around the table is trying their bestโbut sometimes, crucial details slip through the cracks. That’s why preparing thoughtful questions before the meeting can transform the experience […]
Compensatory Education Services: Understanding Support When FAPE Falls Short
When a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) doesn’t receive the services they are legally entitled to, the impact can ripple far beyond missed sessions or delayed support. It can mean lost progress, stalled development, and real emotional and academic consequences. Compensatory education services are designed to help fill those gaps. Rooted in the […]
Stay Put Rights Under IDEA: How to Keep IEP Services During a Dispute
When parents disagree with changes proposed to their childโs IEP, what happens next? Thatโs where the Stay Put provision in special education comes in. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Stay Put IEP rights protect students by allowing them to remain in their current IEP placement and services while disputes are being resolved. […]
17 Benefits of Sending Home a Draft IEP (Present Levels + Proposed Goals) Before the Meeting
Sending home a draft IEP can go a long way to helping parents understand and advocate for their child before the IEP meeting.
What to Do When an IEP Isnโt Being Followed
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document designed to support the unique needs of students with disabilities. When an IEP isnโt being followed, it can significantly impact a studentโs educational progress and well-being. Whether youโre a parent or a teacher, there are steps you can take to address this issue effectively. Hereโs […]
25 Questions IEP Teams Should Ask When Transition Planning
Transition planning is essential for students with disabilities because it prepares them for life after high school, ensuring they have the skills, resources, and confidence to succeed independently in their next stage of life. Without a structured plan, students may struggle with further education, employment, and independent living tasks, leading to decreased opportunities and independence. […]
Questions the IEP Team Should Answer for Parents
Being a parent of a child with special needs lends itself to having a lot of questions and being an advocate. But sometimes, even the IEP can be confusing or there can be questions that parents have that relate to services. So, what is the IEP team’s responsibility in terms of which questions to answer […]
Creating a Safe Space for Parents During an IEP Meeting
When parents attend Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, they often come with a mix of hope, anxiety, and uncertainty. It can be a scary time for them. Creating an environment where they feel safe and valued to ask questions is crucial for the success of these sessions. Here are effective strategies to encourage parent participation […]
Questions Parents Can Ask to Facilitate Determining What Supports Their Child Needs
Navigating an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting can be complex for parents. Coming prepared with thoughtful and specific questions can help clarify the supports their child needs to succeed in the classroom and give parents a voice of confidence during the meeting. Below are expanded questions that parents can ask, along with explanations for why […]
25 Pieces of Advice SPED Parents Wish They Got Before Their Child Got an IEP
Navigating the Special Education process can be overwhelming for parents. Understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and advocating for their child’s needs is a journey filled with challenges. Here are 25 valuable pieces of advice that SPED parents wish they had known earlier. Be Your Child’s Best Advocate You are your child’s strongest supporter. No one […]
Navigating Conversations About Disabilities with Parents
In the classroom, teachers often face the challenge of supporting students with disabilities while respecting family dynamics. When parents prefer not to discuss their child’s disability openly, it becomes crucial for educators to approach the situation with sensitivity and understanding. Navigating conversations about disabilities with parents can be tricky! The goal is to provide necessary […]
What is an IEE and When Should You Request One?
Navigating the world of special education can be complex for parents and guardians. One important component in this process is the Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). Understanding what an IEE is, its significance, and when to request one can empower you as an advocate for your child’s educational needs. What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)? […]
10+ Ways Parents Can Prep for an IEP Meeting
Walking into an IEP meeting can be stressful and nerve wracking for anyone, but especially for a parent. When a parent has a student with an IEP, they are used to hearing about the things their child canโt do more than they hear what their child can do. Most of the time, they also donโt […]
Understanding IEP Amendments: What Parents Need to Know
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) play a crucial role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the necessary support and accommodations to succeed in school. However, the process of amending an IEP can be complex and confusing for parents. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of IEP amendments and provide parents with […]
What โProcedures for Collecting Dataโ Might Mean in Your Childโs IEP
As a parent of a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), it is crucial to clearly understand the components within your childโs plan to ensure their educational success. One such component that often raises questions is the term โprocedures for collecting data.โ In this blog post, we will delve into what this term means […]
The Importance of Sharing Raw Data with Parents
As special education teachers, we play a vital role in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, working closely with students, parents, and other professionals. One crucial aspect that deserves our attention is sharing raw data with parents. In this blog post, we will discuss what raw data is, why it is important, why it should […]
IEP Progress Report Red Flags for Parents to Look For
Are you a parent new to the special education world and just getting your first quarterly progress report on your childโs IEP goals? Or are you a seasoned parent who just isnโt quite sure what to look for when reviewing your childโs quarterly progress report? We’re here to help with that. One way to help […]
Improving the IEP Meeting Experience for Parents
Attending an IEP meeting as a parent can be a scary and emotional experience. Parents want to make sure that their children are given every opportunity to succeed, and they are a vital part of a child’s IEP team. Itโs our job as educators to make parents feel heard and to let them know that […]
When You Donโt Feel Heard at an IEP Meeting: What to Do
Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings can be stressful for both parents and educators. The goal of the meeting is to discuss the student’s needs and come up with a plan that meets those needs. However, sometimes one may not feel heard in these meetings, which can be frustrating and discouraging. If you find yourself in […]
A Parentโs First IEP Meeting
The first IEP meeting can be an intimidating experience for parents. It is important to remember that you know your child best and have valuable insight into their needs. Here are some tips for attending your first IEP meeting. Attending Your First IEP Meeting Gather Information Before the meeting, take some time to understand what […]
A Parent Signature on an IEP and What It Means for Consent
When it comes to parents and IEPs, there is a common thought that without a signature from the student’s parents, the IEP cannot move forward or be implemented. While that may be the case in some states, that is not true for the majority of states in the country. So when and where is a […]
Free Autism Resources for Families
As special educators, part of our responsibility is to support families of our students. In most cases, that means directing them toward resources that are specifically designed to address their needs and the needs of their child. For families of children with autism, there are many different organizations and resources out there that can help […]
What Parents Want Teachers to Know About Their Child with an IEP
Having a child with an IEP can be an all-consuming process. Here are some things that parents want teachers to know about their child with an IEP.
After the Diagnosis: The Things That Have Helped the Most
The road to getting a diagnosis for a child who needs special education services can be a long and arduous one. It is often fraught with meetings, evaluations, and pushback from schools and organizations that do not always make the process easy or straightforward. Once a diagnosis has been obtained, what are the benefits? What […]
Going Over a Draft IEP with Parents
Draft IEPs are an important part of the IEP process. As the law indicates, the final IEP should not be created without the consent and presence of the IEP team – and that includes parents. But how do you go over the draft IEP in a way that makes sense for families and keeps the […]
IEP Game Changers for Parents
A few weeks ago on Instagram, I asked our community of parents of students who have IEPs, what are some things that have really changed the game for parents or really helped parents in being a part of the IEP team? Their insight and observations can be game-changers for parents during the IEP process. Examples […]
Parents โ What to Do When You Disagree with the IEP Team
Parents often feel as though they have little input or say into what is in their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). However, the opposite is, in fact, true. By law, parents have the final say on IEPs and are equal members of the IEP Team. So what happens if a parent disagrees with the team’s […]
8 IEP Red Flags
When you get a new-to-you IEP there are always warning signs to watch out for, both as a parent and as a teacher. Signs that the IEP was not written correctly or that there was little fidelity when implementing it are always red flags. Below are some of the most common things to watch out […]
9 Functional Skills for Independence
Functional skills are skills that students need in order to gain independence and live independently. They range from simple to complex, but all of them have one thing in common: they help the student prepare for the world outside of school. When including functional skills in an IEP, which is typically done in the Transition […]
IEP Final Copy or Draft? Helping Parents Understand the Difference
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 […]
What Are Parentsโ Rights with IEPs?
Having a child with a disability – whether academic, physical, social, or emotional – can be challenging for families. They are often faced with endless doctor appointments, specialist meetings, and calls with teachers and the school. While it may be tempting to cast them in a bystander role when it comes to IEPs, that can […]
Can You Record an IEP Meeting?
A lot happens at an IEP meeting and there is a tremendous amount of information that is shared. Keeping all of it straight can be difficult, but is it legal to record an IEP meeting? For parents who are new to the special education and IEP process, recording an IEP meeting might seem like the […]
What Is an IEP?
For those who are new to the special education process, understanding what an IEP is and why it is important can take a bit of time… some research, and sometimes a little bit of deciphering. There are a lot of acronyms in special education and unless you are using the terminology as part of your […]
6 Reasons Teachers Need to Tell Parents to Get an Advocate
Imagine being a parent and walking into an IEP meeting for your child. Maybe you’re new to the IEP process. Maybe English is not your first language. Maybe you had a negative experience at school yourself and are distrustful and wary of school officials. Maybe you, yourself, have the same learning disability as your child […]
Who Is On The IEP Team?
Preparing for your first IEP meeting? Before you get too far into planning, make sure you know who is on an IEP team. By law, there are mandatory members of an IEP team. This ensures that the IEP is created collaboratively and not based solely on one person’s evaluation of the child. Let’s take a […]
The Beginning Steps of the Special Ed Process
Understanding the beginning steps of the special education process can make the events flow much more smoothly, no matter what role you have on the IEP Team. When the process is smooth and effective, it is easier to get the student the services he or she needs. Not sure about how the special education process […]
Special Ed Jargon Everyone Should Know
No matter what subject you teach, chances are that you will eventually teach students with IEPs. Because of this, itโs important that you know common special ed jargon! The Oxford Dictionary defines jargon as “special words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.” This […]
3 Ways to Help Parents Advocate
The IEP process is a lot for a teacher. There is SO much paperwork, so many important factors to add, to remember, language to use, and language to avoid. Plus, special education teachers have to do this for a LOT of students! With all the volume of work surrounding IEPs, we often forget how overwhelming […]
Keeping Families Included in the IEP Process
When we think of those in charge of crafting a well-written Individualized Education Program (IEP), we often think of the special education teacher, general education teacher, speech language pathologist, occupational therapistโฆ and so on and so forth. If we limit our โteamโ to those working in the school, we are missing out on a huge […]