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Plan & Prepare for the Entire Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Process
Many of the parents that contact our firm have questions and concerns regarding their child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). We believe that a well-crafted IEP is key to your child’s success and we assist you with every step of the process, starting with meeting with you to understand your child’s current situation. Once we are well-versed in your child’s needs and what services they are currently being provided, we can move forward with IEP preparation.
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Explained
Established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), an IEP serves several purposes. Essentially, it is a roadmap that establishes where your child is currently in their abilities and the services that should be provided to them by the school district. It will also contain goals for your child.
The team tasked with the preparation of the IEP must consider any existing information or data available regarding the needs of the child. This can include:
- Information provided by you, the parent
- Assessments and classroom-based observations
- Observations by related service providers
Upon review of this information, the IEP team will determine what additional information is necessary for them to ascertain whether or not the child is disabled and their educational needs. If further testing or assessments are needed, they shall be administered.
When the necessary information has been determined, the team will produce the IEP, which is defined as “a written statement for each child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised.”
Review of IEP
Perhaps your child already has an IEP and you want to be certain they are receiving all the services to which they are entitled. If that is your situation, we will be happy to review your child’s IEP and provide you with our opinion as to its effectiveness. This thorough review will provide our suggestions on services or accommodations we feel should be added. We will also provide our opinion on any objectives or goals we feel should be amended or added. We can also provide our opinion on any objectives or goals we feel should be amended or added.
Rights As A Parent
It is important to remember that as a parent, you are an important member of your child’s team. Your advocacy can help determine the success your child can experience, as well as the opportunities to which they are exposed.
Our firm will advise you as to the rights you have as a parent, including the right to participate in the IEP process. You can also:
- Access your child’s records
- Have an advocate attend your child’s IEP meeting
- Decide who has access to your child’s IEP
Don’t let the school district dictate what happens with your child’s education. Be an active participant.
Speak With An Experienced California IEP Attorney
Attorney Sherry Lavian believes in empowering parents and guardians to be zealous advocates for their children. She accomplishes this by providing education and step-by-step assistance throughout the IEP process. Contact Lavian Law Firm, APC, to learn more about our services and how we can help you.