Welcome to our weekly blog for parents and educators dedicated to supporting students with disabilities! As a parent of a child with a disability and a former teacher with 25 years of experience, I’m passionate about helping others navigate this journey. In our first week of January, we’re focusing on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), a cornerstone of special education services.
What Is an IEP?
An IEP is a legally binding document that outlines the specific educational goals, accommodations, and services a student with disabilities will receive. For a detailed guide on understanding and navigating IEPs, visit Understood.org's IEP Guide. It is tailored to the unique needs of each student and is developed collaboratively by a team, including educators, specialists, and parents.
Tips for Parents:
Know Your Child’s Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to understand your child’s entitlements. You can learn more by visiting the official IDEA website at https://sites.ed.gov/idea/.
Be an Active Participant: Attend all IEP meetings prepared to share insights about your child’s strengths, challenges, and progress.
Review the IEP Document: Ensure all agreed-upon services and goals are clearly documented.
Tips for Educators:
Communicate Regularly: Keep parents informed about their child’s progress and challenges.
Individualize Instruction: Use the IEP as a guide to provide tailored instruction and supports. Educators can find helpful resources on implementing IEPs at Edutopia's Guide for Teachers.
Collaborate with Specialists: Work closely with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other professionals to implement IEP strategies effectively. For additional strategies, visit TeacherVision's IEP Support Center.
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