Inclusion, here we come! A parent’s guide to the inclusive IEP

Have you ever left an IEP meeting or parent-teacher conference feeling like inclusion just isn’t possible for your child? As parents, we all want our kids to have a childhood filled with the diverse experiences, learning, and activities as their peers. But when it comes to inclusive education for kids with disabilities, it’s not always easy.

In many school districts, parents have to advocate — sometimes tirelessly — not just to secure an inclusive placement, but to ensure the right supports are in place to make that inclusion truly work. But our inclusion experts are confident that all kids can be included. Sometimes, it just takes pushing past outdated thinking (and practice) to make it happen.
Shifting the IEP team’s mindset — especially with the help of an inclusion specialist or advocate — can change the conversation in a big way. Instead of wondering, “Can my child be included?” or “When will my child be included?” we start asking the real question: “How can my child be included?” This week, we’re covering everything you need — from preschool to high school — so you can confidently advocate for an inclusive education at every stage.

Explore our free resources → Check out our free resources to help you advocate for an inclusive IEP for your kiddo! Use our inclusive schooling checklist to check in with your child’s team and make sure their needs are met. Explore podcasts, books, and blogs to build your knowledge. Learn about inclusion specialists, embedded instruction, and how to write IEP goals that truly support inclusion. Plus, we’re busting common myths and offering expert advice on what to do when inclusion isn’t working.

Inclusion refreshers:

Inclusion, preschool and beyond:

Inclusion and Preschool Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3
Inclusion in Elementary School
Inclusion in Middle School
Inclusion in High School

Advocating for inclusion — tips and how-tos:

* Join us for expert office hours with Undivided Research Lead Adriana Roze on Wednesday, April 2 at 12:00 p.m PT. Adriana’s focus is on finding a great summer camp for your child, so be sure to attend if you haven’t signed your child up for summer programming yet! If you’re not an Undivided member yet, get started here to join us for office hours every week.

* Tune in these Undivided Conversations happening on our Facebook page this week:

How to Write Inclusive IEP Goals. Join us on Facebook Friday, March 28, at 12:00 p.m. PT for a chat with Education Advocate Dr. Caitlin Solone all about crafting inclusive IEP goals for your child, including the red flags to watch for before signing your IEP.
Embedded Instruction. Join us on Facebook Saturday, March 29, at 10:00 a.m. PT in conversation with Michael McSheehan, inclusion consultant at Evolve & Effect, LLC, to learn about embedded instruction and how it works in the classroom.
Reading Strategies for Extensive Support Needs. Join us on Facebook Sunday, March 30, at 10:00 a.m. PT as we talk to experts Chris Lemons, and Dr. Kathleen Whitbread as they explore effective reading strategies for students with extensive support needs, including Down syndrome and ID.

As one of our parent members told Undivided: “Since using Undivided, I have learned more about how to support my child. They have recommended advocacy support, articles, and websites, and I have a place to organize all my to-do lists, paperwork, and more with my membership.”

For many parents, it’s so helpful to find a community who “gets it.” Join our private Facebook group to connect with fellow parents online and find in-person meetups too→