Decoder

After the IEP

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Overview

How do you know if your child’s IEP is being implemented in all the ways the team agreed it should be? Learn how to ensure that your child is receiving the services, accommodations, or focus on goals that they need.

What do I need to do before signing the IEP?

While the district may be anxious for you to sign the IEP at the meeting, it is best not to — you will need time to review the document, process what was discussed, and go over any points that may not have been resolved. Start by making sure that all accommodations, goals, and services are written as they were agreed to in the meeting, including service hours, location, and frequency. Compare the IEP to your meeting notes to make sure everything you requested is included. Is there anything carried over from a previous year that is now outdated? Check out our article How to Review Your IEP Before Signing for a full checklist of items to review. If you're reviewing an IEP to sign before school gets out for the summer, this article provides plenty of tips for what to consider.

Contents


Overview

What do I need to do before signing the IEP?

How do I make sure my child’s IEP is being implemented as written?

When should I file for due process?

Top Parent Questions

What does a special education advocate do?
Advocates are excellent at helping a parent through the IEP process. They can accompany a parent to an IEP meeting, ensure IEP goals are well written, assist with negotiations, help parents understand their rights, help in reviewing documents, and more.
What if I disagree with my IEP team?
Should a parent and the IEP team be unable to reach an agreement, a parent has the right to resolve disputes with the IEP team through mediation, a resolution session, due process hearings, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), or by filing a complaint with the state.
How do I request compensatory services because my child’s IEP wasn’t followed?
Before you ask for comp ed, you’ll need to collect evidence to prove that your child was denied FAPE.
Do I need a lawyer to go through due process?
Filing a due process complaint is a legal process like a lawsuit, so it's recommended that you hire an attorney or have an organization file the complaint on your behalf.
What information should you include in a post-IEP meeting summary?
In a post-meeting IEP summary, you should include: attendees, challenges, goals and amendments or additions, information about adding or amending services, information about adding or amending accommodations, conclusion, and signature.

Author

Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes.

Reviewed by

Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor


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