It’s that time of year!

The 2017-2018 school year is right around the corner. Many parents have already been contacted by their school district in order to review their child’s current IEP, and to consider recommendations for the upcoming school year. Here are some things to keep in mind surrounding your child’s upcoming IEP meeting:

• Be sure to gather all recent evaluations and/or progress reports. It is important that the CSE has the most recent clinical information regarding your child and his/her educational progress. This information provides the review team with necessary information in order to make appropriate recommendations. The CSE may also reach out to you to conduct additional testing as well.
• You have the right to ask for any evaluations in a particular area of need for your child. You can also obtain your own independent evaluation and share it with the review team (the cost may or may not be reimbursable). Nevertheless, the CSE team is required to consider any private evaluations obtained by the parent.
• Invite individuals who play an important role in your child’s education. Who does that include? Private evaluators, teachers, after-school providers, may all be important participants at the annual review.
• Finally, be active! You are a valid and important team member (trust us, the law says so)! Therefore, the input you provide during the meeting is crucial. Take any opportunity throughout the meeting to discuss your child’s progress and to voice your concerns.