Determining eligibility for special education is only the first hurdle in helping your child receive the support required to succeed in school. Once eligibility is determined, your child will require a personalized program of services, goals, and procedures to help them achieve their educational objectives—an Individualized Education Plan. As these decisions are made by school staff and teachers, it is crucial to understand what an IEP is and how to advocate for the services that will best impact your child’s educational growth.
Negotiating IEP services and monitoring their implementation are important components of a child’s education plan that can significantly impact their growth trajectory. Jennifer Chang is an established education rights attorney and advocate with over a decade of experience helping families navigate these rights and more within the California public school system. Continue reading to learn more about building an effective IEP and how to advocate for your child’s services in an IEP meeting.
Understanding IEP Services
The Individualized Education Plan, or IEP, is a written document that details the special education and related services a child with special needs is eligible to receive. The child’s parents or guardians develop an IEP in collaboration with the school staff, which is created under the laws and requirements governing education for children with special needs, covering 13 categories of disabilities. Understanding the components of an IEP can help parents and families establish and implement effective services geared toward their child’s growth and development.
A wide range of services is available to children with disabilities, tailored to their individual educational needs. Students may require one or more services, which are legally provided by the state. These services may include:
- Specialized academic support
- In-school therapies such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Speech Therapy
- Extended School Year (ESY)
- Assistive technology, including devices for audio, visual, and verbal communication
- Counseling services
Writing Effective IEP Goals
An IEP outlines the types of services a child will receive, including the specifics of their frequency and duration, and indicates the responsibilities of the school and/or school district in providing these services. Services are directly tied to the child’s measurable goals across the general education curriculum, extracurricular activities, and non-academic activities. Several goal areas may be addressed within an IEP, depending on the child’s needs:
- Academic goals focus on classroom and curriculum learning, with an emphasis on developing reading, writing, and math skills.
- Functional goals address daily living skills such as personal hygiene, self-sufficiency, and cooking, as well as social skills including communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution.
- Therapeutic goals consider physical needs, encompassing gross and fine motor skills, speech and language, and the use of assistive technology.
Effective IEP goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, providing teachers and support staff with precise expectations to best support the child’s unique needs, track progress, and provide feedback to parents.
For example, an academic reading goal may state: “By the end of the school year, when given a grade-level reading passage, the student will read with 90% accuracy and fluency, demonstrating the ability to decode words accurately and at a pace appropriate for their grade level.” Objectives should support the delivery of this goal with clear action steps for teachers and support staff, including a reading interventionist.
Additional Services To Consider
Aside from academic, functional, and therapeutic goals, a child may require additional services to support their access to education.
- Transportation services may be required for a child who uses a wheelchair or has a sensory impairment.
- One-on-one aides or paraprofessionals can support students with physical or emotional impairments.
- Behavioral supports such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
- Transition services can be implemented for older children who are transitioning out of school-aged programs.
Tips for Effective IEP Meetings
As a parent advocate, being prepared for your child’s IEP meeting provides you with immense leverage in supporting their educational journey. By understanding and prioritizing your child’s goals, communicating effectively with the IEP team, advocating for services you know they need, and following up after the meeting, you can help ensure that your child receives the support they need to thrive.
When teachers, administrators, and schools fail to provide your child with the services they are entitled to by law or you disagree with the IEP in place, knowing how to assert your rights is crucial. In these situations, it is best to contact an education rights attorney to ensure your child has full access to their education and help you navigate the best path forward.
If you are facing challenges securing the services your child needs to access their education or disagree with the services your child’s school has in place, it is essential to consult an attorney experienced in education law and advocacy. Education Rights Attorney Jennifer Chang can help you navigate the complex world of special education law and ensure your child receives the support they deserve.
Contact the Law Offices of Jennifer Chang today to learn more.