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The Individualized Education Program

The details of your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) creates your his or her education universe. But do you understand your role in the plan? The demands placed on the parents of special needs children are greater today than ever before and can be overwhelming. Finding the time to learn the details of an IEP can be very difficult.

At Equal Chance Education Consulting, LLC, in Shawnee, Kansas, I help the parents of special needs children understand everything they need to know about IEP development and IEP meeting strategies. I encourage parents to view me as their resource for developing their child's IEP.

What is an IEP plan?

• describes a student's current "academic achievement and functional performance in school ("PLEP")
• describes "measurable annual goals" to meet a student's specific needs
• describes "how a student's progress toward meeting the annual goals will be measured"
• describes the related services, accommodations and modifications needed

The plan is created by a team of people that typically includes a special education teacher, a general educator, a representative of the school district, all therapy providers − and the parents. This group meets to develop a plan for the child's educational program.

How I can help with developing an IEP

At Equal Chance Education Consulting, LLC, I help parents prepare for these meetings. I attend with them to ensure they obtain the best possible plan for their child by:

• Making sure the child's current levels of functioning are correctly established
• Verifying that the goals are appropriately set for the child
• Stressing the important of integrating the child into the school environment as much as possible
• Advocating for more therapy minutes and/or education services
• Requesting alternative placement

There is always a risk that a school will argue for IEP goals that are easy for the school to reach but inadequate for the child. This is why it is important for parents to have objective support during these meetings.

Due process hearings

I am a great believer in the value of a collaborative approach to IEP meetings. After all, everyone present is working for the best interests of the child. However, if it is impossible to reach an agreement, I am always willing to request a due process hearing.

As the parent of a child in special education, you have the right to appeal any dispute you have with your child's school district to a neutral third party for mediation. I have a good success rate with these proceedings. My work and reputation are known to the attorneys for the school districts. They know if I file for due process, there is probably a case. As a result, they are more likely to respond positively to requests for compromise when developing an IEP.

If you live in the Kansas City Metro area or elsewhere in Kansas or Missouri and need assistance with your child's IEP plan or IEP plan review or anything else regarding your child's special education needs, please contact Link to Contact Us my law firm today for a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer. I know how to help.

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Equal Chance Education Consulting, LLC
22052 West 66th Street, Suite 186
Shawnee, KS 66226-3500

913-825-5286 (phone)
1-866-664-2938 (fax)
E-mail