I think my child needs an IEP.

How do I get an IEP?

Is your child struggling at school? Are his/her grades going down? Has there been an increase in behaviors, or maybe school refusal?

The best advice I can give is: Go with your gut!

Most parents come to this site with nothing more than a gut feeling that something isn’t going right. I’m here to help you define your gut feelings and turn them into action steps.

The second best piece of advice I have is: If you end up living “the IEP life” then fully immerse yourself in it. A little bit at a time.

The IEP process is overwhelming and complex. I have a ton of information on here, but don’t try to drink from the firehose.

Getting Started with IEPs

With an IEP, you don’t actually ask the team for an IEP. You ask that your child “be evaluated for special education services.” I have letter templates and all the information you need below. Or, search for the information you need.

Special Education

How and When to Write to your IEP Team | IEP Letter Templates | 504

By Lisa Lightner October 6, 2020 0

How to Write a Letter to School You will definitely want to bookmark or pin this post. I have often

Special Education

I asked for an IEP and was offered a 504/RTI instead.

By Lisa Lightner March 18, 2019 0

I asked for an IEP and was offered a 504/RTI instead. I have lots of friends who are teachers. One

Don’t IEP Alone

Is A Child With Passing Grades Eligible For Special Education Under Idea? | What To Do When “His Grades Are Fine!”

By Lisa Lightner December 29, 2020 0

Denied an IEP or 504 because Grades are Good I had this client one time who has a phenomenal memory. I

Don’t IEP Alone

IEP Testing and Evaluations: What Parents Should Know | Timelines | Initial Evals

By Lisa Lightner February 20, 2020 0

IEP Evaluations Different variations of questions come up about IEP evaluations all the time. Parents are unclear about timelines, what

Special Education

Dyslexia and SLD | How to Create Meaningful, Measurable IEP Goals for your Child.

By Lisa Lightner March 1, 2020 0

The Difference between Dyslexia and a Specific Learning Disability Dyslexia is a type of learning disability that is a language-based

Don’t IEP Alone

All About your IEP: A Guide to Getting Started, for Parents.

By Lisa Lightner September 24, 2019 0

What is an IEP? IEP stands for Individual Education Plan. It is just what it says. Children with disabilities are

Special Education

What to Do When your Child Keeps Getting Sent Home from School.

By Lisa Lightner October 27, 2019 0

My son keeps getting sent home from school! We all know the feeling. Your phone rings. You look. It’s

Don’t IEP Alone

How to Prevent and Get Out of Truancy Charges | IEP | 504

By Lisa Lightner October 25, 2020 0

School Truancy I looked at the mom/client sitting next to me in at truancy court, and gave her hand

Special Education

What is an IEP? FAPE, explained by a Special Education Advocate.

By Lisa Lightner November 17, 2020 0

IEP For as much time as I spending talking and teaching parents about IEPs, I don’t think I’ve

Special Education

What is RTI in School? What does it mean? RTI vs. MTSS

By Lisa Lightner December 17, 2020 0

RTI Response to Intervention | MTSS What is RTI at school? Who determines what RTI looks like for a kid? Can

Special Education

How to get an IEP for your Child, explained by a Special Education Advocate.

By Lisa Lightner January 25, 2020 0

How to get an IEP. Gather your thoughts about your child and their struggles at school. Decide if meeting with

Section 504 Plans

{504 Plan vs. IEP} 6 Important Differences between the two.

By Lisa Lightner February 17, 2020 0

Difference Between 504 and IEP Here are some of the key differences between an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and a 504 Plan.

Special Education

What can I ask for on my child’s IEP? And how do I get my team to agree?

By Lisa Lightner February 22, 2020 0

What to Ask for on your IEP “I don’t know what to ask for on my IEP!” That question