Back-to-School IEP Guide for Parents

You've got this, parents! Starting a new school year can feel like a lot, especially when your child has an IEP. I'm here to share some proactive strategies to help you establish strong communication with your child's school and IEP team right from the start. Your partnership is key to their success!

Back-to-School IEP Parent Guide

For parents of students with IEPs, the beginning of the school year is a fantastic opportunity to set the stage for successful collaboration. Here’s how you can proactively engage with your child’s school and IEP team:

1. Review & Refresh Your Knowledge:

• Before Day One: Pull out your child's current IEP and review it thoroughly. Understand the goals, accommodations, modifications, and services. Highlight any areas you want to discuss or clarify.

2. Initiate Early Communication:

• Reach Out to Key Players: Send a brief, friendly email to your child's case manager (special education teacher), general education teacher(s), and any relevant service providers (e.g., speech therapist, occupational therapist) before school officially starts or during the first week.

• Share Key Strengths & Preferences: Briefly highlight a few of your child's strengths, interests, and effective learning strategies that the new teachers might not yet know.

3. Establish Preferred Communication Methods :

• Ask About Best Practices: During your early communications, ask teachers and case managers what their preferred method of communication is (email, school portal, phone calls) and their typical response time.

• Be Clear About Yours: Let them know your preferred method of contact. Include when the best time is to reach you for updates or concerns.

Remember, you are an essential part of your child's IEP team! By being proactive and fostering open lines of communication from the very beginning, you set your child up for a successful and supportive school year.