IEP Help

Hi there and welcome! You have found what has been called some of the best, most helpful, parent-friendly and practical IEP meeting advice for parents. Since my first blog post in 2011, it has really evolved. Glad you’re here!

You will definitely want to bookmark or pin this page and come back to it as a reference.

Here are some helpful IEP links for you.

Join our Facebook Group. (this is what you should do if you have specific questions about your child)
IEP Meeting Tips for Parents
If you would like more information about me as a blogger or my PR page.
FTC guidelines and have disclosure policies
I want to buy the IEP organizer I’ve been hearing so much about!

IEP Meeting Advice

While every child and their situation is different, here are some very common questions or issues that we see. Check and see if your issue is in here first. If not, ask in the Facebook group.

IEP Meeting Help

7 Red Flags that your IEP is Garbage. {and what to do about it!}

My IEP Meeting is tomorrow!

After the IEP meeting~What to expect + what parents need to do.

How to avoid IEP Meeting Negativity.

Who attends an IEP meeting? Can I exclude people?

The misogyny of IEP meetings.

How to Not Cry at your IEP Meeting.

How to Improve your IEP Meetings.

Should I bring food to the IEP meeting?

Who or What is the LEA at an IEP Meeting?

10 Dos and Don'ts for your First IEP Meeting.

How and When to Request an IEP Meeting.

The Secret that will have you Stop Stressing over IEP Meetings. Yes, really.

These 6 Principles of IDEA must be applied at every IEP meeting.

6 Reasons Why Your Child Should Attend their IEP Meeting.

How to Know if you are Ready for your IEP Meeting. (free printable checklist!)

Click here for IEP Goal or Accommodation/Strategy Ideas.

Where can I find a special education/IEP advocate?

Start with your state’s Protection and Advocacy group. Call and ask if they have Special Education Advocates.
Call around to other advocacy groups such as the Arc, NAMI, CF Foundation, etc. Many times these groups will be able to direct you.
Do an internet search. Some places call them parent mentors, parent partners, parent buddies and so on.
Some professional organizations like COPAA maintain a list on their website.
Wrightslaw has Yellow Pages.
Pennsylvania has Right to Education Task Forces in every county. By law, these are parent-led groups and often have knowledgeable parents leading them or participating. A good resource to find advocates.

Thanks for visiting!

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Lisa Lightner

Special Education Advocate at A Day in our Shoes

Hi, I'm Lisa, owner and main writer for this site. I live in Chester County, PA with my husband and two boys. I am a Special Education Advocate and Disabilities Consultant, run this blog and the Facebook group and manage to squeeze in time for lobbying. Thanks for reading!