Developing Next Year’s Individualized Educational Program (IEP)

Scott TruaxSpring is a time for both renewal and obligations—with flowers blooming, taxes due, and for many families, the development of next year’s Individualized Educational Program (also referred to as an Individualized Education Plan, or IEP) for their child.

The IEP meetings can be a time of rising anxiety and many questions. It may be that you have developed a good working relationship with your service providers and attend the meeting with confidence. For some it becomes like a family reunion where you catch up on recent events with the people who have been working with your child through many years and transitions.

However, there are frequently questions and concerns that involve the scope and timing of services. Is my child receiving instruction in all the areas he needs and is sufficient time allotted? Do I need to push for more instructional time? Are all the necessary skills being addressed? In short, how do I know if this is really a good deal?

FamilyConnect provides you with many resources where you can research a wide variety of topics including information about IEPs and skills in general. There are a variety of articles that you can read developed both by age and topic. Listen to parents and their children talk about their experiences, in a new series of interviews.

Are you still in doubt? Reach out to the thousands of families who are registered users of FamilyConnect by using one of the many message boards available to you. Get your advice from the experts who have paved the way before you or are living it now. You may want to see if there is a NAPVI chapter in your state or region. You can do so by browsing the directory of services or calling them directly at 800-562-6265. No NAPVI chapter? Then start one today. NAPVI will help you through the process.

I would love to hear from you on this topic. How do you view the annual IEP? Do you have anything you would like to share on this blog? It can all start right here.