Do you have an IEP writing timeline? Here’s why you should and where you can grab one!
Creating an IEP involves a series of steps that require collaboration among educators, parents, and other stakeholders. A well-defined timeline serves as a roadmap, guiding the team through assessments, goal setting, implementation strategies, and progress monitoring. But where do you begin and, perhaps more importantly, when should you start when you need to write an IEP?
If you are not sure of the answers to those questions, you are not alone. Determining the timeline for writing an IEP is one of the most confusing and stressful parts of the whole IEP process. Thankfully, we have worked with thousands of teachers to fine-tune an IEP writing timeline that not only works but is practical and efficient.
Keep in mind that the timeline is about more than simply writing the IEP. It also includes the important tasks that must be done to get all stakeholders in the meeting room to discuss it. As any special ed teacher knows, it is not an easy job to get everyone together and on the same page!
Coordinate schedules to find a suitable meeting time for all IEP team members.
Send out meeting invitations to parents and keep a record of all communication attempts.
Pro Tip: A parent communication log is essential. You can grab a copy of one in the Resource Library when you’re logged into your Intentional IEP Membership. Not a member yet? Join here!
Distribute input forms to all IEP team members to gather their insights and feedback. If possible, also get the student’s input.
Pro Tip: These digital IEP input forms are a lifesaver. They are available for everyone on the IEP team and other stakeholders who might have input into the child’s progress.
Draft the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) based on assessments and team input.
Share the proposed draft IEP, including current performance levels and suggested goals, with parents for review and input.
Pro Tip: Making sure that your student’s parents or family gets the draft IEP is key. Here are some ways to get it to them.
Follow up with parents to discuss any concerns or questions regarding the draft IEP. Be sure to document any conversations, emails, or calls with them on the parent communication log.
Confirm the IEP meeting date and location with the team and ensure the meeting room is available. It is always a good idea to send a reminder email or card to everyone on the team. These sticky note templates make it easy to print out a reminder and send it home with the student or stick to a colleagues mailbox or door.
Conduct a preparatory meeting (“pre-IEP meeting” or “staffing”) with the school team to review the draft IEP and prepare for the actual meeting.
Print out all necessary paperwork, including evaluation reports, progress notes, and any other relevant documents required for the meeting. Remember to have multiple copies available for the family and all team members.
Hold the scheduled IEP meeting involving all team members to discuss and finalize the student’s IEP for the upcoming academic year.
Here is a short snippet from one of the trainings inside of TII membership about writing IEPs with parents in mind that might give you more insight:
The membership also provides more guidance on writing IEP goals if you need some help with that aspect of IEP writing.
By joining the membership, individuals also gain access to an extensive library of over 13,000 pre-written IEP goals, empowering them with a wealth of options to support their studentsā unique needs.
Learn more and become a member of The Intentional IEP today!
Establishing a well-structured timeline for writing an IEP is crucial for ensuring the successful collaboration of educators, parents, and other stakeholders. By following a systematic approach outlined in the IEP Toolkit, teachers can effectively navigate through assessments, goal setting, implementation strategies, and progress monitoring. The proactive steps of coordinating schedules, sending out meeting invitations, gathering input from team members, and engaging parents throughout the process contribute to a streamlined and efficient IEP development process. Ultimately, the commitment to effective communication, thorough preparation, and collaborative teamwork culminates in the creation of a comprehensive IEP that best supports the student’s educational needs for the upcoming academic year.
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