The school bells are ringing, and a new academic year is upon us! If you're feeling a bit behind on your IEP prep, take a deep breath—it's not too late to get started. Whether school has just begun or you're a few weeks in, these top three IEP to-dos will set you and your child up for success. Let's dive in and build your Back-to-School IEP Action Plan!
Your Back-to-School IEP Action Plan
Here are the three key steps we'll cover:
Review your child's current IEP
Introduce yourself and your child's IEP to the new teacher
Schedule and prepare for your first IEP check-in
Don't worry if you haven't done any of these yet. The best time to start is now, and we're here to guide you through each step.
1. The IEP Scavenger Hunt: Review and Update
First things first, let's hunt down that IEP. It's probably hiding between last year's pizza party flyer and that permission slip you forgot to sign. Once you've found it, it's time for a thorough review.
How to do it:
Locate your copy of the current IEP.
Read through it carefully, paying attention to goals, accommodations, and services.
Highlight key points and any areas you want to discuss or monitor closely.
Update your "IEP at a glance" summary (we'll show you how to create one if you don't have it yet).
Use this checklist as you review:
Review present levels of performance
Check if goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
Ensure accommodations are still appropriate
Verify service minutes (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy)
Note any questions or concerns to address
Pro Tip: If you can't find your copy, don't panic! Contact the school for a new one. It's your right to have a copy, and it's crucial for effective advocacy.
After your review, create or update your "IEP at a glance" summary. This one-pager will be invaluable when communicating with teachers and staff. Here's a template to get you started:
2. The IEP Intro Extravaganza: Meet the Teacher
Now that you're up to speed on your child's IEP, it's time to introduce yourself and your child's needs to the new teacher. Keep it light, friendly, and informative.
How to do it:
Draft an email or schedule a brief meeting to introduce yourself.
Express your enthusiasm for partnering on your child's education.
Provide a concise overview of your child's IEP, using your "IEP at a glance" summary.
Here's a sample email to get you started:
Subject: Introducing [Child's Name] and Their IEP
Dear [Teacher's Name],
I hope this email finds you well! I'm [Your Name], [Child's Name]'s [mother/father/guardian], and I'm looking forward to partnering with you this year on [Child's Name]'s IEP.
[Child's Name] has an IEP for [primary diagnosis/need], and I've attached a one-page summary of their key strengths, challenges, accommodations, and goals. I'd love to schedule a brief chat in the next couple of weeks to discuss how we can best support [Child's Name]'s learning this year.
Please let me know a few times that would work for a quick meeting, whether in person or via phone/video call.
Looking forward to a great year!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
3. The Calendar Conquest: Schedule Your IEP Check-in
Lastly, it's time to set up your first IEP check-in of the year. Aim for 4-6 weeks into the school year. This early check-in can prevent small issues from snowballing into mid-year crises.
Important Note: This check-in is different from the annual IEP meeting. It's a more informal touch-base to see how the current IEP is working at the start of the new school year. If your annual IEP meeting is coming up soon, you might be able to combine these discussions—but if not, this early check-in is still valuable.
How to do it:
Reach out to your child's case manager or teacher to schedule a check-in.
Prepare a list of topics to discuss, including your child's adjustment, progress on goals, and any concerns.
Take notes during the meeting and set a date to follow-up on any lingering issues.
Here's a sample email to schedule your check-in:
Subject: Scheduling [Child's Name]'s IEP Check-in
Dear [Case Manager/Teacher's Name],
I hope the school year is off to a great start! I'd like to schedule our first IEP check-in for [Child's Name]. Could we aim for the week of [suggest a date 4-6 weeks into the school year]?
I'd love to discuss:
1. How [Child's Name] is adjusting to the new accommodations
2. Initial progress on [mention 1-2 specific IEP goals]
3. Any challenges you've noticed so far
4. [Any specific concerns or questions you have]
Please let me know a few times that work for you. I'm happy to meet in person or via phone/video call, whichever is more convenient.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Use this meeting to establish open communication. It sets a collaborative tone for the year and shows you're an engaged, proactive partner in your child's education.
To prepare for your meeting, use this checklist:
Review your notes from the IEP review
List any changes you've noticed in your child since school started
Prepare specific questions about accommodations or goals
Gather any relevant work samples or home observations
Think of at least one positive thing to share about your child's progress
Your Next Steps
Congratulations! You're now equipped with the top 3 IEP to-dos for back-to-school success. Remember, it's okay if you're just getting started—what matters is that you're taking action now. Here's a recap of your action items:
Review and update your child's current IEP
Locate and review the IEP using the provided checklist
Create or update your "IEP at a glance" summary
Introduce yourself and your child's IEP to the new teacher
Send your introduction email or schedule a brief meeting
Schedule and prepare for your first IEP check-in
Send an email to schedule the meeting
Use the preparation checklist to get ready
Take it one step at a time, and don't hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. You've got this!
How Highlighter Can Help
Navigating the world of IEPs can feel overwhelming, but remember, you've got this – and Highlighter's got your back! Our AI-powered platform can assist you with each of these back-to-school steps:
We can help you review and summarize your child's IEP, making it easier to create that "IEP at a glance" document.
Our tools can help you draft the perfect introductory email to your child's new teacher.
We'll send you reminders for important dates, like your 4-6 week check-in, and help you prepare talking points for your meetings.
With Highlighter, you're never alone in your advocacy journey. We're here to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to ensure your child gets the education they deserve.
Ready to supercharge your advocacy? Sign up for Highlighter today and take the first step towards a smoother, more successful school year!
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