October 2010

Tips for ARD/IEP Meetings

Parents before you attend your child's next ARD/IEP meeting to discuss his/her IEP, here are a few small tips that will help you along the way:

1. Remember YOU are the most important person at the ARD/IEP meeting and nothing will go through unless you agree to it.

2. Be prepared! ask for copies of all evaluations, proposed goals, etc a few days before the ARD/IEP meeting so you have plenty of time to review everything, get clarification and consult with others to ensure the goals are what you feel will be the best goals for your child for the ENTIRE year.

3. Get outside evaluations and present them to your school in advance of the AR/IEP meeting.

4. If you need assistance, bring someone to the meeting that knows your child well and can assist you in advocating for him/her.

5. Bring a binder with ALL of your child's information with you and a photo of your child.  This is to remind them that this meeting is about YOUR CHILD not policy or a program.

6. If you are unsure, confused or disagree with ANYTHING in the meeting, do NOT sign the IEP.  Tell them that you do not feel comfortable signing right now and you need to discuss with others.  Take a copy, table the ARD/IEP and you will reconvene in 10 days to complete the meeting. 

If you follow a few of these small tips it should help you feel more prepared and empowered during your child's next ARD/IEP!

Tracy Pierce Bender, BCBA