Before the team meeting
Before the team meeting, write a bulleted list of all the issues and questions you want to make sure are discussed at the meeting. She makes a list of her concerns, vision, and strengths for her child. Provide the school with all the results of the private evaluation 10 school days before the meeting. And request copies of any of the evaluation reports that the school has carried out. You must request them in writing 48 hours before the meeting.
at the team meeting
During the team meeting there will be a lot of information provided by teachers, specialists, and service providers. Try to bring someone with you who can take notes as you ask questions and respond to the information you are given. A draft IEP may be provided to you to review and make changes. Don’t be afraid to ask for changes to anything you think isn’t appropriate in the IEP. Your input is extremely important. No one knows your child like you do. The law supports that you must be included and be an integral part of the process of creating the IEP for your child.
After the team meeting
You will receive the final proposed IEP and must respond within 30 days. You have three options when it comes to responding. You may accept the proposed IEP in its entirety, reject it in its entirety, or reject it in part. I would not recommend rejecting completely as this provides nothing to the student. If you reject in part or reject the missing or insufficient provisions, then the accepted parts must be implemented immediately. Remember, what is provided to your child is what he needs, not what he wants or what is best. As parents and advocates, we always strive for the best, but the law backs up what it takes. If you think your child is not getting what she needs, ask for additional special education evaluations and evaluations. If you are not satisfied with the school’s evaluation, you may request an IEE or Independent Educational Evaluation at no cost to you.
