IEP Meetings
Oh, I hate the dreaded IEP (Individual Educational Plan) Meetings. I remember attending them when DJ was 3 years old and crying. Honestly, I think I cried after each IEP Meeting until DJ was 6 or 7 years old. These meetings can be a hard dose of reality that, if you are not ready, can be overwhelming as negative assessments of what benchmarks your child is or is not meeting are discussed. I understand that the professionals in the room (teachers; psychologists; counselors; and/or special education directors) have your child’s best interest at heart, but, the mere presence of so many voices deciding the future of your child is hard to sit through. There was also the realization by me and the professionals that, perhaps, DJ was not meeting the standards like other children his age because his IEP was not correct to meet DJ’s abilities and needed to be adjusted.
IEP Meetings are the time for you to communicate how you feel about your child’s education and progress in the classroom. It is also the opportunity to express what is or is not working for your child. It is my push to all parents who go through this process to speak up. If you don’t understand something, then say so. It is your child’s teacher; the social worker; and all others present in the room job to make sure your child is getting the education they deserve. It may feel uncomfortable, but you must be present (physically and mentally) to represent for your child. If you need help speaking out, there are special needs advocates who will attend these meetings with you to assure that you are being heard and will work on your behalf.
I personally tell people that the beginning is always rough when it comes to IEP Meetings because you are trying to figure out what works or what needs to be changed or totally deleted from your child’s plan. It may be hard and a little intimidating questioning and asking for explanations from those present in the room, but you are there for your child. You are your child’s voice. So, speak up!