Have you ever walked into an IEP meeting and been met with an overly negative attitude from anyone on the IEP team? 🚩 Or maybe you notice the team is pushing for goals that are too focused on “functional” skills instead of academic or developmental goals? 🚩And, of course, maybe you’ve heard the classic: “Your child met their goals, they don’t need an IEP anymore” 🚩 or “We don’t do that here.” 🚩 Uh, no thank you — those are major red flags waving in your face — and a telltale sign that something might be off.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro who’s been through your fair share of IEPs, or you’re prepping for your very first one, we all want the same thing — an IEP that actually does what it’s supposed to: supports our children, sets them up for success, and helps them grow and thrive. But unfortunately, it’s easy to get tripped up by common pitfalls that crop up before, during, and after IEP meetings, from well-meaning but misguided advice to frustratingly vague promises.
So, how do you make sure your child’s IEP actually delivers what they need? First, we’ve got to spot the red flags — those little (or big) signs that things might not be going as smoothly as they should be. What do these red flags look like, exactly? That’s where you come in: advocating for your kiddo. We’ve rounded up some of the biggest IEP red flags and paired them with simple, yet powerful responses to help you advocate like a pro and ensure your child gets exactly what they need.
Read our free resources all about navigating the IEP process with more confidence, clarity, and calm — including how to spot red flags and what to do next.
- How to Review Your IEP Before Signing
- How to Make Sure Your IEP Is Being Followed (and What to Do If It Isn’t)
- 14 Red Flags in the IEP – and What to Do about Them
- The 11 Worst Things Said in Way Too Many IEP Meetings and How You Can Respond – “They Say, You Say” Part 1
- 5 Ways to Respond in an IEP Meeting When Denied Related Services – “They Say, You Say” Part 2
- 6 Ways to Respond When Discussing Goals in an IEP Meeting – “They Say, You Say” Part 3
- 8 Ways to Respond to Your IEP Team When You Disagree about Placement and Inclusion – “They Say, You Say” Part 4
- Rewriting Goals for an IEP: Let’s Fix Those Goals!
- Troubleshoot These 9 Common IEP Concerns
- The 5 Most Important Things to Remember When Advocating in an IEP
No time to read? We’ve got you. Meet our new AI-powered podcast — the perfect companion for school drop-offs, California traffic, or that rare solo walk around the block. We’ve turned our top articles and parent resources from this week into bite-sized, on-the-go episodes — so you can stay in the loop while juggling all the things life throws at you. 🎧Just hit play, and let the IEP insights roll in!
▶️How to Review Your IEP Before Signing
▶️How to Make Sure Your IEP Is Being Followed (and What to Do If It Isn’t)
▶️14 Red Flags in the IEP – and What to Do about Them
📌 AAC software discounts for Autism Acceptance Month! 📌
If your child uses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), check out these programs that are available at a discount during April 2025 for Autism Acceptance Month!
What do you do when something in the IEP isn’t working? Join us for a FREE Facebook Live event with Undivided Non-Attorney Education Advocate Lisa M. Carey on Tuesday, April 15 at 12:30 p.m. PT. Whether you’re concerned about your child’s accommodations, modifications, placement, inclusion, or something else, Lisa will share her expert tips for working with your IEP team to come up with solutions. RSVP for the event here to get the link to the livestream and the replay video.
Catch the recap→ Whether you missed our live conversation with Aaron Carruthers from the SCDD about potential changes to Medicaid, or you’re looking for a refresher on the key points, check out the event recap and replay video here: Understanding Proposed Cuts to Medicaid and How You Can Make a Difference. Our main takeaway: there is still time to contact your representatives and tell your family’s story to help protect Medicaid!
Join us for office hours→ Wondering about funding therapies, social-rec, and medical supplies through Medi-Cal, Regional Center, IHSS, and more? Join us on Wednesday, April 16 at 12:00 p.m. PDT for expert office hours with Undivided Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Cronbeck. Lisa will be available to answer your questions directly on Zoom. If you’re not an Undivided member yet, get started here to join us for office hours every week.
Tune in to these Undivided Conversations happening this week on our Facebook page →
- Flip the Script on IEP Conversations: Mastering the “They Say, You Say.’ Join us Friday, April 11 at 12 p.m. PT as we discuss the most common things said in IEPs — and how to respond.
- Do Schools Have to Offer Inclusive Extended School Year? Tune in on Sunday, April 12 at 10 a.m. PT for an insightful conversation on the M.C. vs LAUSD case, where LAUSD was accused of disability discrimination by denying summer special education services, and hear what this means for the future of our kids’ education!
As one of our parent members told us, “Undivided has helped me and my family in so many ways. Their Navigator service is unparalleled. They are so experienced and well-versed in different systems, including the Regional Center, IEPs, and private insurance.”
Curious whether other Undivided parents have experience with a certain school district, therapy provider, summer camp, or other organization? Ask in our private Facebook group→
Undivided isn’t just an amazing resource for IEP tips — we’re a community of parents and professionals helping empower families. Hear from one Undivided parent what our community means to them→
Is your child in a general education placement for some or all of the day? Check out these red flags to avoid when reviewing the goals section of the IEP→
Help us reach more parents who could use help with their IEPs! Tag us when you share on LinkedIn→
