Every child deserves an academic environment that supports his or her needs. Identifying and addressing potential issues early is in your child’s best interest.
Let’s say your kid’s teacher suggests an IEP. Are you the type of parents who feels relieved that a teacher is picking up on potential issues and getting the support ball rolling, or are you the type of parent that feels anxious, angry, or flat out insulted? Both reactions stem from the same place: a sense of love and protection for your child.
Whatever your initial reaction is, I beg you consider an IEP as gift to your child’s future. The word “Individualized” in the program title is key. This is not a one size fits all situation. The ultimate goal is to provide your child support in the least restrictive learning environment.
By the way, parents can request an IEP from the school even if the teacher has not. If you have concerns about your child’s academic or behavioral development, please talk to to your child’s teacher early in the school year. Continue to advocate for your child. The first month or two of school is usually exceedingly overwhelming for everyone, so if you haven’t heard anything by mid October, ask again.
Understanding the IEP Process:
I highly recommend that parents visit Understood.org to learn more about what an IEP is. Here is a helpful link: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-an-iep
Podcasts:
- Understood Explains
In addition to the website, Understood.org has an excellent podcast called Understood Explains. Season 3 explores the IEP process and has a lot of useful information for parents. Here is the link:
https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/understood-explains-ieps
2. Opportunity Gap
Another podcast from Understood.org I’d like to recommend is called “Opportunity Gap.” Here you will find episodes about a variety of childhood topics including learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, reading skills and more. It also includes the Understood Explains IEP episodes.
https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/the-opportunity-gap
3. Tilt Parenting
This podcast is for people who parent and care for neurodivergent kids.
https://tiltparenting.com/podcast-about-children-with-learning-disabilities