IEP Resources

The IEP meeting: An overview - Understood.org 

A guide from Understood that walks families through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting process. It explains what to expect, how to prepare, and how to collaborate with the school team to develop an effective plan for students with disabilities. 

IEP Checklist - Understood.org 

a practical tool for parents and guardians to organize and track essential documents related to their child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). It includes sections for evaluation reports, meeting notes, progress updates, and communication logs, helping ensure all necessary information is readily accessible. 

Virtual IEP Meeting – TIPS for Parents - FCSN 

A concise guide for parents preparing for virtual IEP meetings. It covers essential steps such as confirming meeting details, preparing questions, ensuring technology readiness, and understanding your rights. 

5 Things to Do Before an IEP Meeting - Understood.org 

A practical guide for parents preparing for IEP meetings. It covers essential steps such as reviewing your child's records, inviting support people, preparing questions and suggestions, informing the school about attendees and special needs, and reflecting on your child's strengths and challenges. 

Strengths-based IEPs: What you need to know - Understood.org 

An article explaining the concept of strengths-based Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), emphasizing the importance of identifying and leveraging a student's strengths to support their learning and development.

Questions to Ask Before and During the IEP Meeting - Understood.org 

This resource provides parents with essential questions to ask before and during an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting, covering topics such as meeting goals, agenda creation, understanding evaluations, and discussing accommodations and support strategies. 

One-on-One Aide in Special Education - PEATC Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center 

This guide explains the role of a one-on-one aide, also known as a paraprofessional, in supporting students with disabilities to access a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). It outlines the decision-making process, considerations for requesting an aide, and alternatives to full-time support. 

What Qualifies a Student for a 1:1 Aide? How to Get a Paraprofessional for a Child - A day in Our Shoes 

This practical guide from A Day in Our Shoes helps parents understand how to request a one-to-one aide (also known as a paraprofessional) for their child. It covers eligibility criteria, documentation tips, and strategies for advocating effectively during IEP meetings. 

How to Request a One-to-One Paraprofessional for Your Child - Wrightstlaw 

This resource offers guidance on requesting a one-to-one aide for your child. It emphasizes the importance of understanding your child's specific needs, clarifying the role of the aide, and ensuring proper qualifications 

Special Education Placement Options

This FCSN's resource explains the range of placement types available—from in-district programs to private day and residential schools—and offers guidance to help families understand and navigate the decision-making process when considering a change in placement (under Recorded Presentations there is a Video titled "2019 09 Special Education Placement Options" that also covers this topic). 

Guide to Requesting an Out-of-District Placement

Created by Ask Advocacy - Kathryn Trainor (www.askadvocacy.org), this practical guide helps families navigate the process of requesting an out-of-district (OOD) placement when a student’s needs aren’t being fully met in their current setting. It outlines key steps—from gathering documents and evaluations to preparing for IEP meetings, exploring mediation, and understanding due process—offering a clear roadmap for informed, effective advocacy.