Writing A Draft IEP

When I write our draft IEP every year I try to do it way before the IEP Meeting so it will run smoothly and we can get everything into our son’s IEP that we want. All problems will therefore be ironed out and few surprises if any will develop at the IEP Meeting. Doing a draft IEP really cuts down on the stress that usually happens when dealing with the IEP Team and it keeps me from acquiring too many grey hairs.


*When submitting your goals and objectives, accommodations and modifications, etc. to the case worker before the IEP meeting-

Always:

1. Give goals and objectives, etc. to case worker at least 3 weeks before IEP meeting to ask her opinion about them and to work out any problems before the IEP meeting.

2. Try to get a draft IEP from Speech, OT, PT, Adaptive P.E., etc. before the IEP meeting.

3. Be sure to obtain copies of all new test results that were done on your child before the IEP meeting so you can use the data to make goals and objectives from.

4. Be positive and open minded.

5. Be realistic with goals and objectives that your child can achieve within a year.

6. Ask for the case worker’s opinion or suggestions on the goals and objectives that you wrote. (What do you think? Do you have any suggestions? Etc.)


Example:


Dear Mrs. __________;

Our son’s annual IEP is approaching soon and we sat down and wrote some goals and objectives that might be beneficial for him. Enclosed is a draft IEP for your consideration. Do you have any comments or suggestions?



Example for reply to case worker’s letter:

Dear Mrs.___________,

Thank you for emailing the draft portion of the IEP. We have reviewed the draft IEP provided and after reflecting on the information as well as realizing that this is a continuation from last year, we offer the following comments for your consideration. (Then state your questions and concerns)

Recommendations:

Work together along with teachers and redefine the evaluation portion of the objectives and establish a more meaningful and measurable criteria. Also prioritize the goals and objectives and only work on what __________’s needs are as well as what he can achieve in a year.



Example:

We sat down and went through the draft IEP and tried to make constructive suggestions. We hope these are beneficial.


Example:

Thank you so much for sending us the draft IEP and the Accommodations and Modifications. After going over all the information we have some suggestions that you might consider.



Always:

End all letters positive.


Example:

Thank you again for all your time and help with _________. We are so pleased with his progress and appreciate all the hard work the teachers are doing.


Example:

Thank you for considering our concerns and comments. We look forward to working with the school district to integrate ________ into regular classes and make the transition to middle school easier and more understandable for him.



*When developing a draft IEP for your child, have it collaboration between you and the IEP team-

1. Do not be demanding and inflexible.

2. Do not loose your temper. Be calm when problems arise.

3. When problems arise always back up your concerns with data (teacher and parent observations, report cards, tests, books and papers, doctor suggestions, teacher and parent notes to each other, child’s classroom and homework papers, etc.).