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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 Is there anything carried over from a previous year that is now outdated?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?

Following up on the IEP

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How to Review Your IEP Before Signing
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How to Make Sure Your IEP Is Being Followed (and What to Do If It Isn’t)
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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Checking in with Your IEP Team
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Writing a Post-IEP Meeting Summary

Resolving Disputes

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Special Education Attorneys and Advocates: What’s the Difference?
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What You Need to Know About Alternative Dispute Resolution
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IEP Due Process 101: Background, Preparation, and How to Approach Disputes
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IEP Due Process Filing, Mediation, and Hearing
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Stay Put 101
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What Is Prior Written Notice (PWN)?

Top Parent Questions

Parent Question
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.
Parent Question
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.
Parent Question
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.
Parent Question
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.
Parent Question
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.

Top Video Clips

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3 Things Parents Should Consider After the IEP
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What Happens When You Go Through “Due Process” & Rebuilding Relationships Afterward
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What Can Parents Do When The IEP Goes Horribly Wrong?
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What Is A “Stay Put” Provision In An IEP & When Is It Used?
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What Happens When You Disagree With An Assessment?
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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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