For Families
With help from you and the school, your child can learn how to become part of their IEP process. Learning how to be part of, and eventually lead, their own IEP process is one of the best ways to help your child learn to self-advocate.
“Self- advocate” means your child is able to share about their life, what they need, what they like or don’t like, and is able to work with others to get the supports they need to succeed. Your child can practice using their advocacy skills in a safe and friendly environment.
Your child will join you, and the other members of their team, to plan special education services to help them learn and grow. Every family can be involved in helping their child be part of their IEP process. The school has the responsibility for organizing the IEP process. However, you are an invited partner and collaborator in the process. Decide what way works best for you and your family to support your child. Click below to get ideas on how to start on your own, with your child, or with the school & educators who work with your child.
The Student-Led IEP process benefits You!
You are an important member on the IEP team. Check out the video to learn how YOU can play a role on the team.
Your child, teachers, school staff, and others may be on the team. Click below to see a playlist of the many people who could be on your child's IEP team.
Here is a quick introduction to the Student-Led IEP process:
Listen to some families talk about their experience with a SLIEP:
PEAL interviews a family about becoming involved before the IEP meeting.
HUNE talks with a family about what to do during an IEP meeting.
PaTTAN and FAMILIES TO THE MAX chat about SLIEPs and after the IEP meeting.
Use the list below to decide where your child is now with their involvement in the IEP meeting. (a tool from I'm Determined.org)
How would you describe their awareness of their IEP process?
How are they participating in the IEP? What are they doing to participate?
What do they know about the IEP? How can they show what they know?
The first step is to know what your child is doing at this time. Then, look at the next level to see where they should be going for a future goal. Work with the IEP team to plan what steps and supports need to be put in place so that next year, your child has moved up a level in one or all of the IEP areas.
