How can I introduce my child with an IEP to a new teacher?

To give teachers and service providers a head start, we recommend writing an introductory letter, or vision statement, that outlines what your child needs for success. This will help your child’s care team get to know their strengths, interests, and goals, as well as your (and their!) vision for their future. By creating and sharing a vision statement, your child’s teachers, school-based therapists, and IEP team have the opportunity to see them as the whole, unique child that they are. It can be helpful to provide a copy to every adult your child will be working with during the school year.

Another useful document we recommend creating and sharing with your child’s team is an IEP at a glance, which can include your child’s diagnosis, services, accommodations, supports, IEP goals, and contact information for the people on your child’s care team; in other words, it breaks down the most important parts of your child’s IEP into an easy-to-read one-pager. Check out our article Introduce Your Child to New Teachers & Providers with a Vision Statement & an IEP at a Glance.