The Best Secrets for Effective IEP Meetings

IEP meetings can be intimidating for parents. They sometimes feel a lack of confidence and fear over the outcome. This episode with Ceri Payne will help both parents and teachers to prepare to have the most successful IEP meetings with the best outcomes for all.

Listen to the podcast here:

About Ceri

Ceri Payne worked as a special ed teacher, and has her MS in Special Education.

She stayed home with her three kids and then went back to special ed.

She has a child with ADHD, ODD, and OCD.

Ceri has now left the classroom to do life coaching.

Ceri was hired as a special ed teacher and fell in love with creating the IEP.

She loves to help set others up for success.

IEPs

IEPs can be confusing and emotional.

It can be hard to feel like you are being listened to.

Parents can feel very lost.

It is normal to feel emotional in an IEP meeting.

During an IEP Meeting

Don't be afraid to ask wha things mean.

Speak up- parental input is valuable.

Discuss accommodations and modifications.

Ask how the school plans to see these through.

Be kind.

Be your child's biggest advocate.

Keep the focus on the child.

Remember that you are the expert on your child.

Keep an open mind- believe that they also want the best for your child.

Sometimes parents may feel a lack of confidence; prepare before the meeting so you don't feel intimidated.

Before the Meeting

1. Communicate with school prior to the IEP.

Don't save all questions for that meeting.

2. Write letter or email to the team about what you want.

3. Ask for a draft IEP a few days prior so you can think it over.

4. Invite an advocate if you are concerned.

This can be a lawyer or even a friend who can help you through the process.

In the U.S. there is a parent advocate center that can help.

Remember

You don't need to fix your child.

Keep the perspective that you child isn't broken.

Celebrate the small wins.