Individual Education Plans and the Role of the Parent

By Joanne C. Sullivan

    Parents of children who receive special education services are often faced with many responsibilities, challenges and questions. As a parent of a child receiving special education and related services, he/she is engaged in a long-term relationship with the local school district and other community services. This relationship will proceed relatively smoothly and will result in your child's receiving an appropriate education when parents gain knowledge, become involved and do some preparation for meetings involving your child's educational plan.
    The most important document which will be prepared specifically for your child's unique needs is his/her Individual Education Plan (IEP). When your child turns three years old and it is determined that she has a developmental delay or other impairment, an IEP will be constructed. An IEP is a plan for educating your child, and together educators and parents have an important role in its construction and implementation.

Knowledge is power
    Know what your legal rights are concerning special education. You can learn about these rights in many ways. The school district is required to give you a copy of your rights. Read them carefully. You can find special education laws and rules online. Call the Disabilities Rights Center or the Parent Information center (800) 232-0986 for further information. Be involved
    Make sure you keep on top of what is happening in school. If possible, prepare a binder with questions, health updates, and assessments which have already been done for your child. Talk often with the teacher and other members of your child's team, especially before your scheduled IEP meeting.
    Ask for a draft IEP to be given to you before the meeting, so you will be able to come to the meeting prepared with questions and some knowledge of what will be discussed. If you find the IEP meeting intimidating, bring help: your spouse, a friend, a trusted professional or an advocate. By law, you can bring anyone you wish.

Team meetings
    The team meeting is a critical part of the special education process. The team makes the decisions about your child's education, related services and placements. You are a member of the team. The team will consist of therapists, educators and other school members who are directly related to educating your child. Each person at the meeting should introduce themselves at the beginning of the meeting.

The IEP document
    All that paperwork! Yes, there is a lot of it. While it may seem overwhelming to you, it is critical in the decision making process. The IEP document contains present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, and explains special factors when determining the IEP.
    Measurable annual goals written for your child will be explained to you as well as accommodations (how to best meet your child's unique needs) that will be given to your child. Your child should receive all of his special education services inside the classroom, unless he is removed to ensure a less distractible environment. The related services page will show a chart of therapies, consultations and supplementary aids which will assist special educators and therapists in meeting your child's specific needs.
    The IEP will inform you of any state and district wide assessments which will be given to your child. The IEP will also have a recommendation for extended year services (summer school) for your child. Your signature will be required on this document as well as others, stating that you agree to the proposed IEP and that you understand your parental rights.
    Your signature will be required to provide placement for your child, ensuring that they will be in the least restrictive environment. Any changes that you or the team makes to the IEP document will happen, and then a finalized copy will remain in your child's school, as well as one given to you.
    The IEP is written for one year, and progress meetings will be scheduled with you as the year progresses. At any time, you are able to ask questions, and meet again to discuss any concerns you may have.
    With knowledge, preparation and involvement, your child will receive an education which best meets her specific needs. Partnerships which form between parents and educators is the key to ensuring your child's educational experience will be positive and productive.

Web Sites of Interest:
    Parent Information Center: www.parentinformationcenter.org
    New Hampshire Department of Education: www.ed.state.nh.us
    Wrightslaw: Special Education Law and Advocacy: www.wrightslaw.com

    Joanne C. Sullivan is a a preschool teacher at Wheelock Preschool, an integrated preschool, for 6 years. She taught infants and toddlers for 9 years in Boston and Keene at the Cheshire Medical Center. Joanne has a B.S. in early childhood education from Bridgewater State College in MA and will be receiving a master's degree in Instruction and Curriculum from Keene State College in May 2009. She lives in Keene with her husband, Chris, and three children with their yellow lab named Rudy.