Strategies for an Effective IEP

Interview with Fiona Zecca
Early Childhood Development and Behavioral Specialist

It occurred to me after my recent post on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process that it might be helpful to have someone discuss this issue from a professional's point of view. So I asked Fiona Zecca, an early childhood development and behavioral specialist, for her perspective on how to make this a more effective and less stressful experience. Fiona spent 15 years working in school settings as a special day class teacher and an inclusion specialist with young children with special needs. She also had the opportunity to work as part of the Intake Assessment team at the San Francisco Unified School District. She is now in private practice, offering consulting services to schools and families around the Bay Area.

How would you advise parents prepare for the IEP?
1. Be familiar with the format and purpose of the IEP.
2. Try to find someone who has been through it to give you some idea of what the meeting will look like.
3. If possible, try to get copies of any of the assessment reports conducted before the meeting so you have a chance to read them and organize any questions you might have.
4. Ask for your parent rights ahead of time and read them over so you understand them and don't waste precious time during the meeting learning what they are.
5. Although the IEP team members will bring different ideas on potential goals for your child, I recommend writing down a few ideas on what you would like your child to achieve in the next year. Be specific, and think of things that you wish your child could do: in a social setting, to get ready in the morning; when communicating with his grandmother. Try to think of all developmental areas--language, gross motor, fine motor, sensory integration, social and self-help. Be realistic, but don't be afraid to have some things to work towards.
6. Try to find out ahead of time what services the district offers for your child's age group.

Is there a good resource you can recommend for parents to go to understand their--and their children's--rights?
Yes. Here is a link to the Special Education Rights of Parents and Children, published by the California Department of Education. [Note: if you live outside of California, search the Internet for "Special Education Rights" and your state.]

What should parents do if they feel they are not getting the services they need or are entitled to?
Explain to the team what services you would like and why. If you have any previous assessment reports that state recommendations for your child, present them to the team. Be realistic, but don't give up easily. Continue the dialogue with the IEP tem and hope that you can come to an agreement. This may mean compromising on each side. If this doesn't work, don't be afraid to dissent on the IEP.

Are there any common misconceptions about the IEP process that you'd like to clear up?
The IEP is a legal document stating the special education servies that your child will receive, but don't think that if you sign it you are bound to the parameters in the IEP for the duration of the IEP (typically a year). You can request an IEP at any time--they are geared to be done annually, but you can have one whenever you want. In fact, you can request at the time of the IEP that the next IEP be done in less than a year (i.e., six months). In other words, if you sign and then later conclude that the services being provided for your child are not a good fit, you can request an IEP (in writing) and, if necessary, dissent at that time. Also, it is helpful to know that you may bring anyone you want to the IEP without notfying the other team members (with the exception of legal representation, for which the district requires prior written notification).

Any other advice?
Don't get caught up in the formality of the IEP. Try not to let it make you anxious or nervous. You know your child best, and you are your child's best advocate. Try to be positive and open-minded and hope that the IEP team members have the best intentions for your child, but, if necessary, be firm on what you believe your child needs.

If you would like to ask Fiona a question, leave a comment here or contact her directly at fiona [at]fionazecca [dot] com.

Comments

[Vicki Forman]

Oh, great stuff here. I would also add, don't think you need to be adversarial from the start. But don't be afraid to BECOME adversarial if you have to be. You are your child's best and only advocate. Thanks for posting this.

[mcewen]

I think the maintenance of 'cordial relations' is pretty high on my list as it's likely that you will be seeing these people regularly for a long period of time.
Good posting.
Best wishes