Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we enter the peak season for IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings, we wanted to reach out with guidance and support. Whether you’re facing your very first IEP meeting or your fifteenth, these sessions can be overwhelming, emotional, and challenging to navigate.
Remember: You are your child’s best advocate, and you bring essential expertise to the table that no professional, regardless of their credentials, possesses. You know your child’s daily struggles, victories, sensory triggers, and communication styles better than anyone.
Your Child’s Rights Come First
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is clear: schools must provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all children. This means:
- Your child is entitled to services based on their needs, not on what’s convenient for the school
- Educational plans must be individualized to your specific child
- Services must be provided in the least restrictive environment possible
- All decisions should be made with the child’s best interest as the primary focus
Staff shortages are not a legally valid reason to deny services. If your school cites staffing issues as a reason they cannot provide required services, know that they remain legally obligated to ensure your child receives these services—even if that means contracting with outside providers.
Before Your Meeting: Preparation is Power
1. Request documentation in advance
- Always make requests in writing via email or certified mail with return receipt
- Formally request a copy of your child’s current IEP and any relevant evaluations at least 2 weeks before the meeting
- If the school fails to provide this documentation in advance, you have the right to reschedule the meeting
- Use clear language such as: “I am requesting a copy of my child’s current IEP and all recent evaluations by [specific date] so I can properly prepare for our upcoming meeting. If these documents cannot be provided by this date, I will need to reschedule our meeting to allow sufficient review time.”
- The school is legally obligated to honor this request and provide you adequate time to review
- Review existing documentation
- Current IEP and progress on goals
- Recent evaluations and assessments
- Medical reports or private therapy recommendations
- Your own notes on your child’s strengths and challenges
- Create a priority list
- What are the top 3-5 concerns you want addressed?
- Which services do you believe would benefit your child most?
- What accommodations have worked well or need adjustment?
- Gather your support team
- Consider bringing a spouse, family member, or friend
- You have the right to bring an advocate or educational consultant
- Some parents find it helpful to record meetings (check your state laws first)
During the Meeting: Effective Advocacy Strategies
- Set a collaborative tone
- Begin by acknowledging team members’ efforts
- Express that you’re all working toward the same goal—your child’s success
- Use “we” language when discussing solutions
- Focus on data and observations
- Share specific examples of challenges your child faces
- Reference evaluation results and expert recommendations
- Describe what has or hasn’t worked in the past
- Ask clarifying questions
- “Can you explain how this service will address my child’s specific needs?”
- “What data will we use to measure progress on this goal?”
- “What training do staff members have in these specific interventions?”
- Know when to pause
- It’s perfectly acceptable to say, “I need time to think about this”
- You can request to continue the meeting on another day
- You never have to sign an IEP document immediately
Red Flags to Watch For
Be alert if you hear phrases like:
- “We don’t do that in this district”
- “We don’t have staff for that service”
- “Your child isn’t severe enough to qualify”
- “We only offer X amount of therapy minutes”
- “That’s our standard program for autism”
These statements often indicate that decisions are being made based on administrative convenience rather than your child’s individual needs—which contradicts IDEA requirements.
If Services Are Denied: Know Your Rights
If your school denies necessary services due to staffing or budgetary constraints:
- Get it in writing – Request that the reason for denial be documented in the meeting notes
- Invoke compensatory services – If the school cannot provide required services, they must arrange for outside providers
- Consider formal dispute resolution – Options include mediation, due process hearings, or complaints to your state education agency
- Document everything – Keep a record of all communication regarding service denials
The Emotional Side of IEP Meetings
It’s normal to feel anxious, frustrated, or emotional during these meetings. Remember:
- Take breaks when needed
- It’s okay to cry or express emotion
- Bringing a support person can help manage stress
- Self-care before and after the meeting is essential
We’re Here to Support You
The Savannah and Goose Foundation understands how challenging this process can be. We offer:
- Parent-to-parent mentoring
- Resources for effective advocacy
- Referrals to special education advocates in your area
- A supportive community that understands your journey
Advocacy Support in Maryland/Pennsylvania:
If you need professional advocacy support in the Maryland/Pennsylvania area, we strongly recommend:
- Parent Resource Center – https://parentresourcecenter.org/
- Law for Parents LLC – https://lawforparents.com/
Financial Support for Advocacy:
If your family needs financial assistance for school or legal advocacy, please consider applying for a grant through the Savannah and Goose Foundation 501©(3). Our grants are designed to help families access the professional support they need during the IEP process.
For specific questions or support, contact us at info@savannahandgoose.com.
Additional Resources
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. As you prepare for your upcoming IEP meeting, take a deep breath and know that with preparation, knowledge of your rights, and persistence, you can secure the appropriate educational services your child deserves.
With you every step of the way,
The Savannah and Goose Foundation Team
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