Was your child recently diagnosed with a disability? Or, they were struggling in school and you were told they need an IEP?
Deep breaths. It’s a lot to take in and a lot to learn. But you’ve come to the right place. And, we’ve all been there. You might read this blog or join our Forums and be overwhelmed. Again, deep breaths.
You’re outside of your comfort zone, so that’s to be expected. You’ll learn it.
You can also search for what you need.
Special Education
What are IEP Related Services in Special Education | Definition | Eligibility
What are Related Services? According to IDEA, these are the related services in Special Education. audiology counseling services early identification
Don’t IEP Alone
Present Levels | PLOP | PLAAFP | The Most Important Section of the IEP-Find out Why!
IEP Present Levels Ask almost any Special Education Advocate, and they’ll tell you that Present Levels is the most
Don’t IEP Alone
The Special Education Placement Decision Making Process, explained.
Special Education Placement Not only is IEP placement one of the most debated topics among parents, it’s also one
Want Better IEP Meetings?
When should I receive a Draft Copy of the IEP or Evaluations?
Draft IEP Timelines “Well, Mrs. Lightner, we are not going to be making any changes to this IEP today.” Oh
Special Education
What is an IEP? FAPE, explained by a Special Education Advocate.
IEP For as much time as I spending talking and teaching parents about IEPs, I don’t think I’ve
Don’t IEP Alone
Your Child’s Strengths | 100 Example Statements to Swipe for your IEP
Your Child’s Strengths Sometimes we get so wrapped up in getting our kids’ needs met, we forget to address
Special Education
IEP Data Tracking | IEP Progress Monitoring, for Parents | Free IEP Goal Tracker
IEP Data Tracking IEP data tracking and progress monitoring in special education is one of the most important things about
Special Education
IEP Laws and Regulations for all 50 States | Spreadsheet with Links
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Several years ago, I was at a fundraiser. It was for an agency that
Don’t IEP Alone
Special Education Timelines | When Should the School Respond to IEP Requests or Evals?
IEP Timelines How long does a school have to: respond to IEP email? schedule an IEP meeting? evaluate my child?
Special Education
What can I ask for on my child’s IEP? And how do I get my team to agree?
What to Ask for on your IEP “I don’t know what to ask for on my IEP!” That question
Special Education
Understanding IEP Eligibility | A Guide for Parents | Flowchart
IEP Eligibility Your child has an IEP. Or they do not. Perhaps they were found ineligible. Maybe you were offered
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Your IEP Meeting | What to Bring | What to Expect
What to Expect at an IEP Meeting My first IEP meeting did not go well. Well, wait. Kevin has been
Don’t IEP Alone
IEP Testing and Evaluations: What Parents Should Know | Timelines | Initial Evals
IEP Evaluations Different variations of questions come up about IEP evaluations all the time. Parents are unclear about timelines, what
Special Education
Parent-Teacher Conferences | What to Ask | Special Education | Distance Learning
Parent-Teacher Conference Like other areas of our life, Parent-Teacher conferences can look different for a child with an IEP. A
Special Education
How to get an IEP for your Child, explained by a Special Education Advocate.
How to get an IEP. Gather your thoughts about your child and their struggles at school. Decide if meeting with
Special Education
What is RTI in School? What does it mean? RTI vs. MTSS
RTI Response to Intervention | MTSS What is RTI at school? Who determines what RTI looks like for a kid? Can
Don’t IEP Alone
Understanding Common IEP Assessments | IEP Eligibility
For me, both as a Special Education Advocate and a Parent, I find the hardest part of the IEP process
Special Education
Special Education Advocate | How to Find and Hire One Near You | What We Do.
IEP Special Education Advocate “$2000?!?!” my husband exclaimed. “Do we really need this for him?” “Become an IEP/Special Education Advocate!”
Special Education
Yes! Parental Consent is Required to Change an IEP.
Can an IEP be changed without parental consent? For the purposes of this post, it assumes that you (parent) already
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What to Wear to a Parent Teacher Conference or IEP Meeting
Does it matter what you wear to an IEP meeting? Yes. “I have an IEP meeting tomorrow, should I dress
Don’t IEP Alone
All About your IEP: A Guide to Getting Started, for Parents.
What is an IEP? IEP stands for Individual Education Plan. It is just what it says. Children with disabilities are
Don’t IEP Alone
How to Build a Meaningful IEP for Autism | Goals | Sample
IEP for Autism For almost 10 years, readers have been asking me questions about an IEP and autism. It’s quite
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How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting | Checklist | Be a Better Advocate
IEP Meetings This is a really old post that I have been meaning to update for ages. I see the
Special Education
IEP Stands for…35 Most Common Special Education Acronyms
Special Education Acronyms and Terms When I first started this journey, I swore that I wouldn’t do this! I
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Why IEP Parents Should Never Agree to the “Let’s just Wait and See.”
Let’s Just Wait and See. I’d be willing to be my house and my car that 99% of all
Special Education
How and When to Write to your IEP Team | IEP Letter Templates | 504
How to Write a Letter to School You will definitely want to bookmark or pin this post. I have often