Has your child already been evaluated? Are you waiting for the results? Depending on where you are in the process, you might want to go back to earlier steps in our IEP journey: Show
Knowing what’s involved makes it easier for you to participate in the creation of the IEP. It can also offer you some reassurance if you’re feeling uneasy. It’s not uncommon to have mixed feelings when the IEP process is underway. Some parents are uncomfortable with the idea of an IEP. It can help to remember that once the IEP is put into place, your child will be able to get help that can pave the way to success at school. Learn about key elements of an IEP, and how the school will create a plan that meets your child’s unique needs. How your child’s first IEP is createdIEPs are developed by a group of professionals at school. One member of this IEP team typically acts as a case manager and oversees the IEP. You’re part of your child’s IEP team, too. That means you’ll be involved in the process as the IEP is made. The IEP team will use the results of your child’s evaluation testing to design the plan. The scores show the specific areas your child struggles with. Having that information allows the IEP team to provide the individualized instruction and supports your child needs. One of the biggest decisions the team makes when creating an IEP is what type of learning environment your child will be in. Schools are required to place students with IEPs in the least restrictive environment. Most kids with IEPs spend the majority of their day in class with their peers. This is called an inclusion classroom, or a general education classroom that includes students who receive special education.
What’s in an IEPThere are many terms in an IEP (and in the entire IEP process) that will likely be new to you at the start of your journey. Just know that you can go to the IEP team at any time with questions about terms or concepts in the IEP.
Here are some of the things the IEP will include:
The annual goals set for your child are a key element of the IEP. The IEP gives a target for improvement in the skills your child struggles with. Read on for more information on IEP goals. You can also:
Spotlight on IEP goalsIEP goals set the bar for your child’s level of improvement for the year. The purpose is to chart how much progress your child is making with the services and supports being provided. IEP goals should be SMART — Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented, and Time-bound. In traditional IEPs, goals aren’t related to what other kids at that grade level are achieving. So, a child can meet the goals in the IEP, but still not be performing at grade level. Some states now use standards-based IEPs. With these plans, goals are based on academic state standards. A child’s improvement is measured against what other kids are doing at that grade level. The purpose is to help close the achievement gap. Ideally, your child’s IEPs will be strengths-based. This means the annual goals look at your child’s strengths and then find ways to use those abilities to work on weaknesses. This approach isn’t widely used yet, but you can always ask the IEP team to consider your child’s strengths when setting goals. Look ahead to how you can track your child’s goals with an IEP goal tracker. You can also:
If you disagree with what’s in your child’s IEPYour role in creating your child’s IEP doesn’t stop once the plan is done. In fact, it’s very important that you go over the IEP carefully and make sure it has everything it should have, and that you agree with what the school has proposed. Learn what to double-check in your child’s IEP. You may be reluctant to disagree with the team about your child’s IEP. But it’s a fairly common situation — for both parents and schools.
Preparing for what’s nextOnce the document is created, you’ll go over it with the IEP team. Assuming you’re all in agreement, the plan will be put into place and your child will start getting the services and supports in the IEP. Your child’s teachers will know about the IEP. But it’s a good idea to talk to them about what’s in it. Teachers are vital partners in helping your child improve skills and stay motivated to keep working on challenges. Here are the next steps in the IEP journey:
Which of the following should not be included in an IEP?An IEP must include all of the following EXCEPT: a. The present levels of educational performance and how the student's disability affects his or her involvement and progress in the general education curriculum.
What are the 4 components of an IEP?More videos on YouTube. The Eligibility Section. This is usually on the front page and explains why your child qualifies for special education. ... . The PLAAFP Section. PLAAFP stands for Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance. ... . The Goals Section. ... . The Accommodations / Modifications Section.. What are the 6 elements that should be included in an IEP?Components of the IEP. PLAAFP. A statement of your child's Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP). ... . Parent Input. ... . Annual Educational Goals. ... . Accommodations and Modifications. ... . FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education). ... . Transition Plan.. What are the 5 components of an IEP?The Components of an Individualized Education Program. Current Performance. In IEP terms, your child's current performance is called the “Present Level of Performance” or PLOP. ... . Goals. ... . Assessment. ... . Services. ... . Transition. ... . Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) and Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) ... . Placement.. |