Building an IEP binder from scratch is a giant step in organizing your child's educational documents and ensuring you are prepared for meetings. A well-organized binder can serve as a advocacy tool, allowing you to access important information quickly and efficiently. This guide will walk you throug...
As a parent navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, you need to organize and access important documents. One of the decisions you'll face is choosing between a digital and physical IEP binder. Each option has its own set of advantages and challenges, and selecting the right fo...
When you disagree with the school's proposals for your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP), the first step is to request an IEP team meeting to discuss your concerns. As a parent, you are the first member of the IEP team, and your input is invaluable. Here's a guide to working through dis...
Measuring your child's progress in special education is necessary for understanding their growth. It also helps everyone understand if your child is receiving the support they need. By actively monitoring their development, you can identify areas of strength and areas that may require additional att...
I understand how concerning it can be when you disagree with the school's evaluation results. Here are some suggestions for what you can do in this situation:
Start with Communication
Before taking formal steps, it's often helpful to initiate open communication with the school. Consider reaching o...
The IEP and FAPE
When it comes to securing a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for your child, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) lays the groundwork for defining substantive FAPE for your child. The IEP is a personalized plan designed to meet the unique educational needs and goa...
There are many specialized services that may be available for your child through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Here's an overview of the most common services:
Early Intervention Services (Birth to Age 3)
If your child is under 3 years old and has developmental delays or d...
To better understand the criteria for substantive FAPE, let's take a closer look at the specific components involved:
1. Individualized Education Program (IEP)
The development and implementation of an IEP is the first step in substantive FAPE. The IEP is a legally binding document that outlines th...
As a special education advocate, I understand how important it is to ensure your child's IEP is truly individualized to meet their unique needs. Here are 129 tips to help make that happen:
1. Share detailed information about your child
You know your child best. Provide specific examples of your ch...
FAPE should be seen as an umbrella term, with many compartments. In previous posts, I explained the components - specialized instruction, related supports and related services. Secondly, I explained procedural FAPE, or the processes and procedures that make FAPE possible. In this and a few future po...
Foundation 4: Promote Transparency
As school districts explore using artificial intelligence (AI) to personalize instruction, streamline processes, and enhance support for students with disabilities, parents should be asking questions about transparency: How do different AI models work? How has the...
