Easy IEP Help

IEP stands for "Individualized Education Program" and it is a legal document that outlines the learning disabled child's goals and objectives, among other things, that will be the focus for their school work.

The IEP Team consists of the parents of the child, their teachers in school, an administrator from the school, and any other specialized teachers needed to help the child, such as an Occupational or Physical Therapist.

The IEP Team meets at least once a year to discuss the child's current school performance and set the goals to be met for the year. It is imperative that the parents are active participants in the IEP. Take notes, learn about the disability, and do everything possible to ensure that your child has everything they need to succeed.

The rumor mill is full of horror stories about IEPs and most parents wonder if it's possible to have an easy IEP, but in reality, every IEP is different, just as every child and learning disability is different. Sometimes everything is easy and other times the IEP is difficult.

To get the most out of the IEP, parents should:

1) Prepare for the Meeting
2) Show up for any and all IEPs
3) Participate in the IEP
4) Be flexible

Remember, the IEP is an important and necessary step for children with learning disabilities to succeed in school. There is no correlation between intelligence and learning disabilities. A highly intelligent student will still struggle in school if they have a learning disability. The IEP will simply level the playing field for them.