Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Preparing For Individual Education Plans Meeting

Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.

Preparing For Individual Education Plans Meeting

Jeanette Loftus

An individualized education plan or an IEP, is a document that is an agreement with a plan for special education services and support that a child will receive while they are going to school.

The reason for an IEP is to make sure that all children have access to a free education that will help them be successful.

Children who have sensory processing disorder sometimes have IEPs and they can be so important for accommodating a child's needs in school.

Every child who has sensory differences will experience different sensory symptoms then others and their individualized education plan should also be to their individual sensory needs.

It is important for a parent who has a child with sensory processing disorder to understand the individualized education plan process and how to prepare for it because there are things to know before attending an IEP meeting for a child with sensory differences.

The purpose of an individualized education plan meeting is to develop an education plan for the child that is created just for their sensory needs. The IEP team usually includes parents, teachers, school administration and the professionals who may be working with you and your child. At the individualized education plan they will talk about your child's strengths and needs, determine the services or supports that your child will require to be successful while going to school.

Before you go to the individualized education plan meeting it's so important to understand your child's sensory needs and how they can impact your child's learning. It is important to also think about what accommodations or modifications that your child may need in their school or in their classroom.

You should consult with your child’s therapists before attending the individualized education plan and review previous evaluations and observations of your child. The information you learn and gather will help you advocate for your child during the IEP meeting.

Before the individualized education plan meeting it is important to make lists of the concerns you have for your child while attending school and questions you may have during the meeting. This will also help you stay focused and not forget thing you wanted to talk about.

Know your rights and your child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Familiarize yourself with the law, this will help you advocate for your child. If you are unsure about how to advocate for your child and do not want to attend the individualized education plan alone, you can always bring an IEP advocate with you to the meeting.

Bring all of your documents to the individualized education plan with you. You will want to bring evaluations, reports, your child’s work and anything else you think will be helpful. These documents can provide information to the your child's IEP team and help them understand your child’s needs better. You should always bring a notebook with you to the IEP so that you are able to take notes during the meeting. If your child has previously had an IEP, take a copy with you too.

Be strong and remember, no one knows your child better than you do. IEP meetings aren't as scary as many describe them to be. Go with a wealth of knowledge, be prepared, and advocate as best as you can for your child. You got this!

- bring an advocate or a trusted friend

- prepare any questions you have

- review your child's school records before attending

- research your child's needs and behaviors

- makes lists of accommodations

- ask your child what they need at school

- know your child's rights and your parental rights

- gather your child's assessments and records

- bring a list of what your would like to achieve

- don't be afraid to speak up for your child's needs

- prepare a list of your concerns

- have your documentation organized